The Pendant Watch & Brooch Beloved by the Queen with Blue Eyes

This pendant watch and brooch, adorned with exquisite cloisonné enamel, was owned by Queen Victoria, the sixth monarch of the House of Hanover. Legend has it that this model was presented to the Queen at the Great Exhibition in London's Crystal Palace in 1851, the world's first international fair. The yellow gold case is embellished with a bouquet, featuring a rose-cut diamond at its center. A brooch, designed to complement the case, is attached to the loop. This design was common among aristocratic ladies of the era, who used brooches to fasten their watches, a popular accessory, to their dresses.

It is said that the Queen, whose eyes were blue, was particularly drawn to the vibrant enamel blue of the pendant watch.

Opening the inner lid reveals the inscription "INVENTION BRÉVETÉE," meaning "patented invention." This refers to the crown-winding and time-setting mechanism invented by the brilliant French watchmaker Jean-Adrien Philippe. This invention became the fundamental mechanism for all watches and remains so to this day.

The year 1851, when Victoria acquired this watch, was also the year the company name was changed to "Patek Philippe," in honor of its founders, Antoine Norbert de Patek and Jean-Adrien Philippe.