CIRCA: 1958
CASE MATERIAL: 18k yellow gold, caseback engraved with the initials J.Z.
DIAMETER: 33 mm.
BRACELET: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet made by Gay Frères
DIAL: Gilt dial, 8 pearls and raised gold hour markers
FUNCTION: Time only
CLASP: 18k yellow gold clasp with Calatrava Cross medallion
WITH: Extract from the Archives confirming the sale of the watch with 18k yellow gold bracelet in February 12^th, 1959

This lot has been imported from outside of the UAE for sale. Should the lot be released into GCC/UAE free circulation, duty will be payable at 5% on the low estimate. Duty paid in Dubai is treated as final duty payment as per GCC''s customs laws. VAT at 5% will be applied to the hammer and buyer’s premium.

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Lot Essay

The present watch is believed to be one of three known Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 2573 specially commissioned by Emir Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa I of Bahrain to feature eight Bahraini seed pearls as hour markers between the cardinal indices.

Whereas the other two were made from rose gold, this one, in yellow gold, is all the more stunning for the solid yellow gold bracelet created especially for this watch by Gay Frères.

Manufactured in 1958, its case and movement numbers indicate it was the first of the three special commissions to be manufactured as well. The watches were remitted by the Emir on June 26th, 1959.
Based on the Calatrava ref. 2573 that was launched in 1956 (and would be manufactured until ca. 1971), the bespoke case construction or ‘architecture’ necessary to accommodate the natural seed pearl hour markers is in itself extraordinary. The hour and minute hands are on a raised central axis to enable them to clear the pearl hour markers.

The bezel is thus taller and steeper than on other examples of the reference 2573. Combined with the domed crystal, the steep bezel provides remarkable three-dimensional viewing of the pearl hour markers from a side angle and gives the watch incredible visual interest; rendered all the more fascinating by the perfect sense of balance achieved.

Up until 2015 nobody really knew what a ‘Pearl of Bahrain’ looked like in the metal, nor was it known who had commissioned it. Did it exist at all or was it all a myth? That year, on December 16th, Christie’s New York sold a Patek Philippe with pearl hour markers, a time-only Calatrava ref. 2573 in rose gold with a rose gold dial (Lot 62).

The expert consensus at the time held that this was the only ‘Pearl of Bahrain’ in existence. Three years later, in 2018, Christie’s Geneva offered the second ref. 2573 in rose gold with pearl dial, with a confirmed Extract from the Archives, at auction.

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Condition report

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

OVERALL CONDITION: Very good, considering its age

CASE: Good, surface scratches. Retains its original proportions. Caseback engraved J.Z. Gold hallmark visible under the crown and on the inside caseback

DIAL: Nice, clean and original. Some specks of dust, minute pearl track is in good condition and does not show any signs of restoration. The indexes (pearl and baton) are in good condition. The hands and original.
Inside caseback

MOVEMENT: Ticking at the time of cataloguing, is in good condition. Two Geneva Hallmarks seen on the movement.

BRACELET: Detachable bracelet is in good condition with prominent Calatrava cross on the clasp. Surface scratches on the bracelet, overall the engraving pattern on the bracelet is crisp and prominent. Bracelet signed by Patek Philippe and Gay Frerers and the engraved numbers 2 58 suggested the bracelet was manufactured in the second quarter of 1958

PLEASE NOTE:
This report has been prepared by Christie's specialists and is no substitute for physical examination by you and/or your advisors. Christie's specialists are not trained restorers and the report set forth above is not a comprehensive condition report prepared by a professional conservator. While we make certain observations on the work which we trust are helpful, we recommend you consult your own restorer for a more complete report. Prospective purchasers should bear in mind that this report will not disclose any imperfections which may only be revealed during the course of subsequent restoration. This report is provided to you as a courtesy and Christie's is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of this report. Buyers are reminded that Christie's warranties with respect to property are limited as set forth in our Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition.

Effective 7 February 2022
A buyer’s premium is payable by the successful buyer of an item at auction, based on the hammer price of each lot sold. The current buyer’s premium rates are an amount equal to 26% of the hammer price of each lot up to and including £700,000/US$1,000,000; plus 20% of the hammer price from £700,001/US$1,000,001 up to and including £4,500,000/US$6,000,000 and 14.5 per cent from £4,500,001/US$6,000,001.

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