Christie’s Rare Watches auction at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva on 14 May 2018 totaled CHF 12,241,750 /$12,241,750. The sale offered 221 mainly consigned by private collectors from Europe and sold 86 % by value and 88% by lot.
Among the sold pieces Patek Philippe’s The Pearl of Bahrain, ref 2573, manufactured in 1958, was in high demand on 14 May in Geneva and selling for CHF 250,000 / $250,000 to a bidder. The watch was presented 50 years ago by his Highness Emir Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to John Eardley Alcard a businessman, working most of his life in the Middle East and set-up the Bahrain Slipway Company and consulted the Emir on infrastructure matters.
A highly important aspect of the Pearl of Bahrain is its bespoke case construction or “architecture” necessary to accommodate the natural pearls indicating the hours on the dial. The reference 2573 is not only an unusual watch, but a watch of exalted royal provenance, bespoke design, visual magnetism and superb pristine condition. It is furthermore one of Patek Philippe most remarkable time-only watches ever made and a recent discovery.
