Property of a descendant of the late Harry H. Cavan CBE

Patek Philippe. A fine 18K white gold self-winding presentation watch bearing the Iraqi Eagle, original box and sale's tag

SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, REF. 3588, MOVEMENT NO. 1'287'772, CASE NO. 2'729'950, MANUFACTURED IN 1979

Details

Patek Philippe. A fine 18K white gold self-winding presentation watch bearing the Iraqi Eagle, original box and sale's tag
Signed Patek Philippe, Geneve, ref. 3588, movement no. 1'287'772, case no. 2'729'950, manufactured in 1979
Cal. 28-255 nickel-finished lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 36 jewels, Gyromax balance, free sprung regulator, the dark blue brushed dial with inlaid white enamel baton numerals, facsimile signature and polychrome Iraqi eagle, in circular slim case with downturned lugs, snap on back, 18K white gold Patek Philippe buckle, case, dial and movement signed
35 mm. diam.

Provenance

Harry H. Cavan CBE, OBE - late honorary Vice President of FIFA
The present watch was given to Harry H. Cavan by a member of the Iraqi ruling family in recognition of his efforts during an official FIFA mission to Iraq in the 1970s. Now offered for sale by one of his grandchildren, it has never been used and arrived on our premises sealed in the original plastic protective pouch.

Harry H. Cavan, one of the most experienced and highest ranking official in football, served from 1960 to 1990 as a member of the FIFA Executive Committee as vice-president of the British associations. During the same period he was also President of the Irish Football Association.

Made an Honorary Vice-President of FIFA in 1990, the most notable events in his career included:

- 1960-1990: Member of FIFA Executive Committee as president of the British Associations
- Longest serving Vice President of FIFA
- 1984: Awarded CBE by Her Majesty the Queen. Also, in the same year he was awarded the Olympic Order of Merit in recognition of his services to football
- 1970-1986: Member of Organisation Committee for the World Cup
- 1976-1990: Chairman of FIFA World Youth Tournament Committee

Harry H. Cavan passed away on 16 January 2000 in his hometown Belfast in Northern Ireland.

Lot Essay

Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1979 and its subsequent sale on 29 January 1981, original sales tag, pouch and presentation box embossed with Iraqi Eagle and facsimile scripture. Furthermore delivered with photocopy of Harry H. Cavan's obituary in the FIFA Magazine of February 2000.

Introduced into the market in 1970, reference 3588 was one of the favoured presentation watches especially of Middle Eastern nations. Decorated with the relevant coat-of-arm, facsimile signature or ruler's portrait, these watches were offered to high rank visitors and deserving government members.

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