This exceptionally rare and unique Patek Philippe was made in 1921 and originally sold in 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio. The reverse of the watch depicts a classical Greek cavalry warrior, most likely intended to evoke Alexander the Great or a Hellenistic horseman. The surrounding Greek key motif reinforces the classical inspiration, while the hexagonal framing gives the composition a distinctly Art Deco character. The case back is fully hand engraved and is a work of art in its own right, with the central figure framed by decorative engraving and a bold Greek key border. The dial is equally remarkable: gold, with hand-engraved Roman numerals filled with black enamel and surrounded by an additional Greek key motif in enamel. The movement is a 17 lignes caliber of the highest Patek Philippe quality.

The watch was retailed by Cowell & Hubbard of Cleveland, one of the great names in American jewelry retail. The firm traces its roots to 1861, when George Cowell and his son Herbert took over Royal Cowles’s earlier silversmith shop, which had opened in Cleveland in 1849. By 1879, with the arrival of Addison T. Hubbard, the business became Cowell & Hubbard, later growing into Cleveland’s largest and best-known jeweler. In 1894, the firm moved into the Garfield Building on Euclid Avenue, where its store was described as one of the finest jewelry establishments west of New York. In 1920, it moved again to its own building at 1305 Euclid Avenue.

Overall Condition: Light scratching to metal consistent with age and use.

Please note that Freeman’s does not warranty the watch at the time of the auction or after its purchase. Potential buyers should be advised that though the watch may be running at the time of cataloging, it may stop running before the auction and servicing is recommended for all timepieces. The authenticity of individual parts is not guaranteed since repairs and restoration may have occurred. Freeman’s assumes all watches are unisex and does not specify the gender of a piece. For size reference, please see the case measurements of the piece listed under dimensions.

Any information appearing in the Condition Report should be treated as opinion and is provided as a courtesy. Freeman’s is not responsible for any discrepancies, errors, or errors of omission. Please contact watches@freemansauction.com  to request a Condition Report, if none is provided, or to request additional information or photographs of this lot. All lots are sold “AS IS”.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

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