One of the most beautiful Patek Philippe wristwatches ever produced is up for auction as part of Christie’s ‘Watches Online: The Dubai Edit’ sale this month.

The present watch is believed to be one of three known Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 2573 specially commissioned by Emir Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa I of Bahrain and features eight Bahraini seed pearls as hour markers between the cardinal indices.

Whereas the other two were made from rose gold, this one, in yellow gold, is all the more stunning for the solid yellow gold bracelet created especially for this watch by Gay Frères.

Manufactured in 1958, its case and movement numbers indicate it was the first of the three special commissions to be manufactured as well. The watches were remitted by the Emir on June 26th, 1959.

Based on the Calatrava ref. 2573 that was launched in 1956, the bespoke case construction or ‘architecture’ necessary to accommodate the natural seed pearl hour markers is in itself extraordinary. The hour and minute hands are on a raised central axis to enable them to clear the pearl hour markers.

The bezel is taller and steeper than on other examples of the reference 2573. Combined with the domed crystal, the steep bezel provides remarkable three-dimensional viewing of the pearl hour markers from a side angle and gives the watch incredible visual interest; rendered all the more fascinating by the perfect sense of balance achieved.

The 18k yellow gold case is engraved with the initials J.Z, with an 18k yellow gold clasp and a Calatrava Cross medallion. Bidding remains open until October 26, with a pre-sale estimate of $150,000 – $300,000 So far, five bids are in with one day left to go. Dubai residents are welcome to view the display at the Christie’s Showroom in DIFC.

For a full overview of the watches up for auction, click here.