Patek Philippe 2481

'King Saud', Reference 2481 | A pink gold and ruby-set wristwatch with Gay Frères bracelet and enamel dial made to honor Abdul Aziz 'Ibn Saud' the King of Saudi Arabia | Circa 1956 Patek Philippe

Dial: ivory enamel with the portrait of Abd al-Aziz III ibn Saud, King of Saudi Arabia, ruby indexes Calibre: cal. 27SC manual winding, 18 jewels Movement number: 704'830 Case: 18k pink gold, snap-on case back Case number: 689'372 Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe Gay Frère bracelet and locking clasp Size: 36.8 mm diameter, bracelet circumference approximately 185 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Box: no Papers: no Accessories: Universal Khanjar presentation case Mr Dag Hammarskjöld – the defiant pioneer of global diplomacy, and his watch Dag Hammarskjöld (1905-1961), was born into an aristocratic and academic family in Sweden, with his father Hjalmar at one stage of his career being the Prime Minister (1914-1917). Dag´s appointment as the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN) in 1953 has been hailed as one of the most notable successes in the history of the organization. During his time at the UN, he implemented the quiet diplomacy strategy, he implemented the first UN Peacekeeping force - wearing the blue helmets, developed the organisation and resolved several serious crises around the world. In September 1961, Dag was on a peace mission in the newly independent Congo when his plane crashed. Everyone on board, including the Secretary General, was killed. The sudden and very tragic crash has never officially been recognised as a political assassination, but there have always been deep suspicions, making it one of the great unresolved mysteries of the 20th century. Dag was awarded the Nobel Prize posthumously in 1961. Dag had three brothers. According to his will, many of his private belongings should remain within the family. This Patek Phillipe watch with portrait of King Saudi was presumably given by King Saudi when he visited Dag and the UN on his visit in 1959. This watch has been in the Hammarskjöld family ever since. Descendants to one of the brothers are now willing to sell the watch of great historical value to a keen buyer. 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 at that time. 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 honour the King Ibn Saud. Offered in attractive condition, the painted portrait on the dial is confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.