Patek Philippe Reference 600/1 | A rare pink gold and ruby-set open faced watch, made in homage of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Circa 1956

Reference 600/1
A rare pink gold and ruby-set open faced watch, made in homage of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Circa 1956

Dial: enamel, miniature enamel of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz al Saud, ruby-set indexes
Caliber: cal. 17-170 mechanical, 18 jewels
Movement number: 931’340
Case: 18k pink gold, snap on case back
Case number: 694’635
Size: 44.5 mm diameter
Signed: case and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: Patek Philippe suede pouch

Condition Report:
Case: Case in overall very good condition with light surface scuffing and wear consistent with age. No signs of previous polish in our view. Case back with some light surface scuffing throughout. Some light patina throughout. Signature to the outside case back is crisp is edible.

Dial: Enamel dial is intact. Rubies are intact but not tested for condition or quality. 9 o’clock hour marker with some visible dust to the setting. Light wear, patina, and dust throughout.

Movement: Movement with some light signs of wear. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.

Catalogue Note:
Sotheby’s is pleased to offer this highly distinguished timepiece, presented in excellent condition and fresh to the market, from the family of the original recipient, a professional relation of the court of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz al Saud.

The present lot is one of only 200 pieces commissioned through Abdul Rahman Serour of Red Sea, the official Saudi agent for Patek Philippe in the year 1953, in memory of King Abdul Aziz al Saud who had passed away the same year. Each piece was dressed in pink gold, and outfitted with special ruby-set, ivory enamel dials with the upper quadrant decorated with a miniature enamel portrait of the King. It is particularly interesting to note the sensitivity paid to this commission, as these watches omitted the Calatrava cross throughout the case, dial, and movement. The dial features no signs for Patek Philippe at all. Only on the case back do we see the Patek Philippe name as to ensure this royal commission focuses on the King’s young portrait and memory. It is likely that the watch was given as gifts to dignitaries or friends of His Majesty.

Born in 1876, Abdul al Aziz al Saud, known as Ibn Saud, in 1932 became the first king of modern Saudi Arabia. Under his reign, the Kingdom prospered, especially after the 1938 discovery of oil beneath his sands.

The Reference 600 was launched in 1957, and was made in a variety of configurations:

-Reference 600 with metal dials

-Reference 600/1, the present reference, with ivory enamel dial

This special Saudi commission changed the Reference 600, as to accommodate the thicker ruby-set enamel dial, the height of the case was updated from 4.8mm to 5.8mm.