This unique Patek Philippe officier case features a very special unique dial. Unlike typical Grad Feu enamel dials typically found in this era, this piece features original hand painted enamel numerals especially hand painted by an enamel artist using a very rare and specialist technique. This special detail confirmed by the extract results in the numerals on this piece having a very attractive dimensionality not seen on typical Grand Feu dials.

This important piece was originally retailed by Alfredo Alvarez in Bilbao Spain, Patek’s agent in the region at the time. The case is engraved with the boutique’s name and we also have a wonderful letter from Patek in the 1970’s confirming this detail and others including the details of its original sale, written by the director for Patek Philippe at the time; a very special addition. 

The owner of the Alfredo Alvarez at the time was D. Francisco Álvarez Galíndez, a famous and well renowned enamel painter specialising in this technique and his work is exhibited at the Geneva museum of Art. This incredible watch remained in Bilbao for its entire life until now, nearly 100 years. It is just as an iconic look now as it was then and looks superb on the wrist.

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Officier cased style watches were one of the early wristwatch designs from Patek Philippe, they were produced for only a short period, typically between 1925 and 1927. The iconic case shape is one that has lasted the test of time, the design language still feels relevant today and one can see its influence repeated even in modern watches. The hinged case design is not only an iconic aesthetic but functional, providing a very secure fixing of the watch to the wrist via the strap. Examples of the reference are rare, of those that are seen they typically feature standard Grand Feu enamel dials. This example however features a unique enamel dial with hand painted enamel numerals, especially and meticulously painted by a specialist enamel artist utilising a very rare technique.

Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Officier Unique Dial
Reference: Officier
Year: 1925
Movement: Manual
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Diameter: 31mm excl. crown
Lug Width:
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Box/Papers: Letter from Patek Philippe, Extract from the Archives papers

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