Universal - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XII Hong Kong Saturday, June 5, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Universal
    Year: Circa 1958
    Reference No: 10234 1TL
    Case No: 1’856’690
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. UG 285, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Universal Genève mesh bracelet, max length 190mm
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Universal Genève pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Born in 1906, Prince Faisal Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud was an important figure whom forged and shaped modern Saudi Arabia and was declared king and crowned in 1964.

    According to scholars, during 1958, Srul El Sabban (the Finance minister of Saudi Arabia) had ordered from Universal 50 pieces of a gold watch bearing the effigy of Prince Faisal on the dial. These timepieces are not a salutation to a nation’s symbol, His majesty, but was also a valuable gift to members of his forces and was not available to the public.

    Offered in an attractive appeal and accompanied by its original paired pink gold bracelet, the present example with the prestigious portrait of His majesty surely bares rare trait and is highly collectible for watch collectors.

  • Artist Biography

    Universal

    Swiss • 1894

    Universal Genève was founded in Le Locle, Switzerland in 1894 and was originally known as "Universal Watch." Since its inception, Universal Genève has produced watches with unusually high quality for their price point. Universal was among the first brands to introduce a chronograph wristwatch.

    Today, the firm's vintage models are highly sought-after and desired for their oversized cases and interesting dial designs. Key models include a variety of "Compax" models such as the "Nina Rindt" or "Evil Nina," the Uni-Compax, the Space-Compax, the Aero-Compax and the Film-Compax.

    View More Works

1086

Ref. 10234 1TL
A rare and attractive pink gold wristwatch with center seconds, royal portrait engraved dial and bracelet, made in homage of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia

Circa 1958
35.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$60,000 - 80,000 
€6,400-8,500
$7,700-10,300

Sold for HK$75,600

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XII

Hong Kong Auctions 5-6 June 2021