Collector's Pocket Watches, Wristwatc...

Noga Hilton, Geneva, Apr 12, 2003

LOT 15

The Two Monarchs Patek Philippe & Co. à Genève, No. 4254, made for the Polish market in 1850, sold on April 15, 1852. Extremely rare and very fine 18K gold keyless watch with early Philippe winding/setting system, accompanied by the Extract from the Archives.

CHF 12,000 - 15,000

EUR 8,300 - 10,000 / USD 9,000 - 12,000

Sold: CHF 20,125

C. Four-body, ?bassine et filets?, the back finely engraved with the statue of the first two rulers of Poland ? Duke Mieczyslaw I and his son King Boleslaw Chrobry, after Christian Rauch?s sculpture built around 1840 for the Poznan Cathedral, scrolling and floral border, reeded band, gold hinged cuvette. D. White enamel, radial Roman numerals, outer minute divisions, subsidiary sunk seconds between 4 and 5 o?clock, secured by two small screws. Blued steel Breguet hands. M. 40 mm. (18???), Cal 10, frosted gilt, hanging barrel with Geneva stop work, cylinder escapement, three-arm brass balance with flat balance spring, 3rd Philippe winding/setting system. Signed on dial, case and movement, movement also punched with the maker?s trademark under the dial. Diam. 45 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3 - 14
Movement: 3 - 6*
Dial: 3 - 12 - 23- 01

Notes

The design was chosen by Patek Philippe to represent their achievements at the first Universal Exhibition in 1851 in London. The motif is rare and well executed; only three other watches with it are known. This is also one of the very small number of early Patek Philippe watches to be signed four times, the movement being signed on both sides. Mieczyslaw I (Mieszko I) circa 922?992, was duke of Poland from 962 to 992. In 966 he accepted Christianity and undertook the conversion of Poland. Late in his reign he placed Poland under the protection of the pope, thus gaining papal support of Polish integrity. His was succeeded by his son Boleslaw (Boleslaus). Boleslaw Chrobry (Boleslaus the Brave), circa 966?1025, Polish ruler from 992 to 1025, the first to be called king. He ranks among Poland?s foremost rulers, having reorganized the administration, systemized taxation, and created a large standing army. Shortly before his death he was crowned king with the approval of the Holy See.