Important Collectors’ Wristwatches Po...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 22, 1995

LOT 550

Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, for Tiffany & Co., No. 191653, case No. 286762, presented to Marshal Foch by Alton T. Roberts and Franklin d' Olier, on December 12, 1921. Extremely fine and important, historical, cushion shaped, 18 ct. gold gentleman's wristwatch.

CHF 35,000 - 40,000

USD 30,000 - 35,000

C.massive, polished, dedicated back. D. white enamel with radiumed Arabic numerals + auxiliary seconds dial. "Skeleton" radiumed hands. M. 12"', rhodiumed, "fausses côtes" decoration, 18 jewels, lever escapement "à moustache", cut bimetallic balance adjusted to 8 positions, Breguet balancespring. Dial, case and movement signed. In excellent condition. Dim. 30 x 30 mm.


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Notes

This watch is published in Collezionare Orologi Pater Philippe by M. and 0. Patrizzi, page 85. Foch, Marshall of France, Great Britain and Poland, (1851-1929). General in command of the Army overseas, then of the Army Group. General Foch had a distinguished career throughout the First World War between 1914 and 1918. In March 1918, when the situation had become extremely grave, the Allied Governments elected him Supreme Commander of all the Allied Forces : French, British, American, Italian, etc. The result was a majestically conducted offensive campaign, which stopped the German advance on Paris, drove them out of France, and ended with his signing the Armistice on the 11th of November 1918. Following his appointment as Marshal of France in August 1918, Foch was presented with the baton of a Fieldmarshal of Great Britain in 1920 by King George V. In 1921, Foch made a triumphal tour of the United States at the invitation of the American Legion. During his stay in New York, he received as a gift, the watch now offered for sale, on the back of which is engraved the following inscription : Presented to Marshal Foch By Alton T. Roberts And Franklin D'Olier December 12, 1921 Marshal Foch carried the watch up to the time of his death in 1929, notably at Military Ceremonies.