PATEK PHILIPPE | REFERENCE 2481 A PINK GOLD AND RUBY-SET WRISTWATCH WITH ENAMEL DIAL AND BRACELET, MADE TO HONOR ABDUL AZIZ 'IBN SAUD' THE KING OF SAUDI ARABIA, MADE IN 1957

Dial: white enamel depicting Abdul Aziz 'Ibn Saud' the King of Saudi Arabia, ruby-set numeralsCalibre: cal. 27SC mechanical, 18 jewelsMovement number: 706'353Case: 18k pink gold, snap-on case backCase number: 2'600'008Closure: 18k pink gold PAtek Philippe and Gay Frères bracelet and clasp Size: 37 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 180 mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch in 1956 and its subsequent sale on 17th October 1957

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial is nice and intact. All rubies are intact. The case with very minor sign of wear, hardly visible with the naked eye, particularly to the case back, therwise in very good condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Saud bin Abdul Aziz was the son of the founder of Saudi Arabia and the country's first King, Abdul Aziz Al Saud (1876-1953), also known as King Ibn Saud. Saud bin Abdul Aziz succeeded his father as King of Saudi Arabia from 1953 to 1964. Reference 2481 was introduced by Patek Philippe in 1950 and was one of the largest wristwatches ever made by the brand. The standard reference is fitted with silvered dial but exceptions were made and beautifully rare cloisonné enamel dials depicting portraits of celebrities, landscapes or continents for special order were manufactured.

According to our research, the present model was made in a limited edition of about 250 pieces in pink gold and was produced as part of a special order from the Patek Philippe retailer in Saudi Arabia to honor the King Ibn Saud. 

The present watch is not only in excellent original condition, but also fitted with a rare pink gold original bracelet produced by Gay Frères and signed Patek Philippe.