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Lot Essay
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with "St. George Scene" representation and chased bezel in 1898 and its subsequent sale on 9 July 1900.
Watches by Patek Philippe with the chased "St. George" theme are rare, especially in conjunction with a 18th century style dial, featuring enamel cartouches for the numerals.
St. George, patron of England and legendary slayer of the Dragon, was an early Christian who was martyred under the rule of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in A. D. 303.
The banner of St. George, the red cross of a martyr on a white background, was adopted for the uniform of English soldiers possibly in the reign of Richard the First, and later became the flag of England and the White Ensign of the Royal Navy.
The back of the present watch depicts the St. George talisman, showing St. George on horseback, thrusting his lance at a dragon and the inscription "S. GEORGIUS EQUITUM PATRONUS" (St. George, protector of knights) on one side. The reverse shows a ship in full sail on a rough sea and Christ asleep on the deck with two terrified apostles, a wind blows through a small cloud into the sail and the inscription "IN TEMPESTATE SECURITAS" (protection in the storm).
A similar watch is illustrated in Patek Philippe by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, p. 133, pl. 63 a-c.
Watches by Patek Philippe with the chased "St. George" theme are rare, especially in conjunction with a 18th century style dial, featuring enamel cartouches for the numerals.
St. George, patron of England and legendary slayer of the Dragon, was an early Christian who was martyred under the rule of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in A. D. 303.
The banner of St. George, the red cross of a martyr on a white background, was adopted for the uniform of English soldiers possibly in the reign of Richard the First, and later became the flag of England and the White Ensign of the Royal Navy.
The back of the present watch depicts the St. George talisman, showing St. George on horseback, thrusting his lance at a dragon and the inscription "S. GEORGIUS EQUITUM PATRONUS" (St. George, protector of knights) on one side. The reverse shows a ship in full sail on a rough sea and Christ asleep on the deck with two terrified apostles, a wind blows through a small cloud into the sail and the inscription "IN TEMPESTATE SECURITAS" (protection in the storm).
A similar watch is illustrated in Patek Philippe by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, p. 133, pl. 63 a-c.