Year: 1954
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OBW Collection
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A watch fit for a King! This unique Patek Philippe ref.2541R is understood to have belonged to one of histories great collectors, HRH King Faisal II of Iraq. It is truly one of the most attractive Calatrava we have had the pleasure of looking after and presenting to market.
A great and celebrated young King, Faisal II was also a man of incredible taste and collector of the best Patek Philippe watches including owning several 1518’s (see 2nd slide) ordering 5 in steel (thank you to Auto Montanari, @goldberger for providing this great piece of information) and a 1415 amongst others. We will be posting a full article on King Faisal II, regarding his collection and history, with some lovely photos from our research in the next few days.
Having studied at Harrow School, King Faisal II enjoyed the U.K. and had houses here. From our research we understand that he bought this piece along with other items from renowned jewellers to royalty, @aspreylondonwatches in London, where they meticulously hand engraved his Royal crest on the case back in the most impressive detail. Seen in beautifully engraved Arabic letters beneath the crown, are the Arabic character Fa (F) and Ghain (Gh) in mirror reflection, for Faisal Ghazi.
At 36mm this piece sits very much like a rose gold 2526 but actually feels slightly larger due to the references nice ‘fatboy’ lugs which provide an attractive tonneau silhouette to the case, which looks astounding on the rose gold Gay Frères brick link bracelet. The dial is one of the most attractive designs of the era with an engraved circle around the dial and sub seconds, which along with the pearled minute markers, provide a captivating two tone to the simple, elegant design.
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