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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with enamel painting "The Mosque" by S. Rohr in 1964 and its subsequent sale on 21 November 1974.
The triple complication offered here for sale is distinguished by an array of noteworthy features, most importantly the fact that it is the only example of a reference 864 known to exist to date. It is furthermore fitted with a 16''' calibre, the smallest movement used by Patek Philippe in any watch of their post war production combining a minute repeating, perpetual calendar and split seconds mechanism. The finely painted enamel miniature executed by the renowned Suzanne Rohr, depicting the Mosque adjacent to the College at Wattayah in the Sultanate of Oman, doubtlessly a special order, further enhance the appeal of this highly complex timepiece.
Suzanne Rohr
Mrs. Suzanne Rohr is one of the last artists able to perpetuate the supremely exacting art of miniature painting on enamel. Mrs. Rohr, who celebrated 35 years of collaboration with Patek Philippe in 2002, reserves her talent for the company. Since the 1960s, when Patek Philippe re-launched the production of watches with enamel miniatures, Mrs. Rohr has been entrusted with the creation of only three pocket watches a year. In her hands, the secret alchemy of the coloured enamels offers a second life, of unequalled depth and finesse, to some of the world's greatest art treasures.
These rare Patek Philippe timepieces are, in general, made to special order with the subject matter to be represented chosen by the client. They often include celebrities, landscapes or famous buildings.
The Mosque
The present watch and its illustration of the Mosque adjacent to the College at Wattayah, Oman, was most probably ordered by or for a dignitary of the Sultanate of Oman.
Since 1970, Oman is ruled by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said whose extensive modernization program opened the country to the outside world. One of his first priorities was to set up educational establishments which spread dramatically across the Sultanate. By 1975, there were 262 schools and institutions, including the College at Wattayah and its mosque depicted on the present watch.
The triple complication offered here for sale is distinguished by an array of noteworthy features, most importantly the fact that it is the only example of a reference 864 known to exist to date. It is furthermore fitted with a 16''' calibre, the smallest movement used by Patek Philippe in any watch of their post war production combining a minute repeating, perpetual calendar and split seconds mechanism. The finely painted enamel miniature executed by the renowned Suzanne Rohr, depicting the Mosque adjacent to the College at Wattayah in the Sultanate of Oman, doubtlessly a special order, further enhance the appeal of this highly complex timepiece.
Suzanne Rohr
Mrs. Suzanne Rohr is one of the last artists able to perpetuate the supremely exacting art of miniature painting on enamel. Mrs. Rohr, who celebrated 35 years of collaboration with Patek Philippe in 2002, reserves her talent for the company. Since the 1960s, when Patek Philippe re-launched the production of watches with enamel miniatures, Mrs. Rohr has been entrusted with the creation of only three pocket watches a year. In her hands, the secret alchemy of the coloured enamels offers a second life, of unequalled depth and finesse, to some of the world's greatest art treasures.
These rare Patek Philippe timepieces are, in general, made to special order with the subject matter to be represented chosen by the client. They often include celebrities, landscapes or famous buildings.
The Mosque
The present watch and its illustration of the Mosque adjacent to the College at Wattayah, Oman, was most probably ordered by or for a dignitary of the Sultanate of Oman.
Since 1970, Oman is ruled by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said whose extensive modernization program opened the country to the outside world. One of his first priorities was to set up educational establishments which spread dramatically across the Sultanate. By 1975, there were 262 schools and institutions, including the College at Wattayah and its mosque depicted on the present watch.