Swiss gold lever with the portrait of King Abdulaziz Al Saud Circa 1956

Rose gold presentation watch
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A rare Swiss 18 carat rose gold open faced keyless presentation pocket watch made in homage to King Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia by Patek Philippe in Geneva, circa 1956. The nickel finished movement with 18 jewels, a lever escapement, bimetallic compensation balance and micrometre regulator. Ivory coloured enamel dial with applied ruby set hour indexes mounted in gold, outer dot minute divisions, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and rose gold dauphine hands, featuring the miniature polychrome enamel portrait of King Abdulaziz al Saud. The brushed case with a snap on back. Case and movement signed and numbered. Comes with the original suede pouch.
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Diameter: 44.5 mm
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Signed: Patek Philippe Genève
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Reference 600. The reference 600 was made in a variety of configurations, to wit, reference 600 with metal dials, and reference 600/1, like the present one, with an ivory coloured 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 4.8 mm to 5.8 mm.
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Born in 1876, Abdulaziz al Saud, known as Ibn Saud, became the first king of modern Saudi Arabia in 1932. Under his reign, the Kingdom prospered, especially after the 1938 discovery of oil beneath its sands.
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This timepiece comes from the family of the original recipient, a professional relation of the court of King Saud bin Abdulaziz al Saud. It is one of only 200 pieces commissioned in 1953 through Abdul Rahman Serour of Red Sea, the official Saudi agent for Patek Philippe, in memory of King Abdulaziz al Saud, who had passed away that same year. Each piece was made of rose gold and outfitted with special ruby set ivory enamel dials, the upper half decorated with a miniature polychrome 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, the Patek Philippe name can be seen as to ensure this royal commission focuses on the King’s young portrait and memory. The watch was likely given as gifts to dignitaries or friends of His Majesty.