Dial: off-white, Hafez Al-Assad signature

Calibre: cal. 310 SC automatic, 29 jewels

Movement number: 1’440’598

Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on case back

Case number: 2’819’702

Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe Ellipse buckle

Size: 33 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Box: no

Papers: no

Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on March 4th, 1986

Please note the leather strap derived from endangered species is for display purposes only and is not sold with the watch. The watch will be shipped with a Sotheby’s branded calf leather strap.

The reference 3734 is a classic TV-shaped wristwatch by Patek Philippe from the 1980s and a collectable piece in its own right. What makes this particular example stand out is that it carries the signature of Hafez Al-Assad on the dial. It is unclear if the watch was a special order for the then president of Syria personally, or if it was intended as a gift on his behalf. What we know is that the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirms the signature as it states ’white matte dial, 11 applied sword shaped indexes in yellow gold, government signature’. According to our research it is only the second known example with this dial, the first one having been auction in this room in 2020. Other brands such as Rolex have been known to make special dials with Assad-signatures, though they normally read ’Leader Hafez Al-Assa’ as opposed to the present example which simply states ’Hafez Al-Assad.’

The present lot has retained both signatures on the dial in attractive condition, clear hallmarks on its case back, and is offered with its Ellipse buckle.