Lot 394

Patek Philippe

Iraqi Eagle

A very attractive, historically important vintage Geneva presentation wristwatch with date for high dignitaries, with the emblem of Iraq - with original box

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This spectacular Patek Philippe ensemble, bearing Saddam Hussein's signature and the coat of arms of Iraq, is very rare. On the delicately shimmering blue dial, directly below the Patek Philippe lettering, is the Arabic facsimile signature of Saddam Hussein (1937-2006), as well as the multi-coloured coat of arms of Iraq, in the version as it was used between 1965 and 1991. The coat of arms consists of a Saladin eagle with a breastplate showing the national colours red-white-black, and three green vertical stars. In its talons, the eagle holds the inscription al-Jumhariya al-Iraqiya (Iraqi Republic).
Because of its classic design, the Calatrava was also very popular in Middle Eastern countries in the early 1970s. These watches were embellished with symbols that were significant to the respective countries and given as gifts to high-ranking officials and dignitaries.

Reference 3445 is more than just an exquisite dress watch - it was the first automatic watch with a date Patek Philippe ever produced in series. At the time when the watch was made, people usually possessed one watch for all occasions and relied heavily on it, so it was very practical that this timepiece should have a date and an automatic movement. Beauty and function - the embodiment of everything the brand Patek Philippe stands for.