Patek Philippe. A fine and rare 18K gold and enamel openface keyless lever watch with the royal cypher of King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria, original certificate and fitted box bearing the same cypher

With Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated 17 July 1890 and Patek Philippe fitted brown presentation box decorated on the front with the cypher of King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confiming production of the present watch with white dial, black Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds in 1889 and its subsequent sale on 17 July 1890. The Extract further confirms that the case back is decorated with the cypher of King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria in white enamel beneath a crown and within an oval red translucent guillocheé enamel background.

The present watch is special in two ways. First, it is in excellent overall condition and comes complete with its Certificate of Origin and box. Secondly, it bears the Royal cyper for the King of Bulgaria, Ferdinand of Bulgaria (1861-1948) on both the back of the watch and on the front of the Patek Philippe box.

A rare treasure with prominent link due to the enamel on the back, this fine watch will make an excellent addition to any serious collection.

The present watch is prominently described and illustrated in Montres Royales - 1850 - 1910 by Patek Philippe, pp. 106-107.