This is a watch that was the properties of former Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos
Birthday watch
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. (September 11, 1917 –
September 28, 1989) was President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986.
To what I know Marcos time, while in power he implemented
wide-ranging programs of infrastructure development and economic reform. At
that period of time, Philippines was the second richest country in Asia. President
Marcos has celebrated his 58th birthdays. Macros flew by helicopter to Barrio
Pandi joined farmers harvesting rice, took breakfast in a hut with the
peasant’s family and held a cabinet meeting under the shade of a mango tree. 1975
is a special year for the first family, as the First Lady was the guest speaker in
the U.N. in New York for women's right before heading back to Manila for the
president’s 58th birthday. It is key interests to know what essential watch he
likes… Marcos was ahead of time wearing white gold as one of his preferred metal
on watch. He loves Patek Philippe and Rolex watches.
Rolex 12
Rolex 12 is the collective name of twelve of the closest and
most powerful advisers of President Ferdinand Marcos during the martial law
years in the Philippines from 1972 to 1981.
During the latter years of his second elected term, Marcos
conspired with various leaders of the military and Philippine Constabulary. The
goal was for Marcos to gain full authoritarian control of the country during
his declaration of martial law in 1972. Marcos gave the military leadership
powers during martial law, taking over from democratically elected officials
and court judges.
The origin of the name Rolex 12 came from a widespread story
and some sources that each associate received a Rolex watch from Marcos
himself, although this remains unverified. Some contend that the gifts were
actually Omega watches, but despite this confusion, the name Rolex 12 stuck and
is still used to refer to these twelve Marcos associates. Some of them fled with
Marcos when he and his family left the Philippines in 1986, while others like
Enrile and Ramos were instrumental in the coup against him.
History on this watch
We believe that this is a watch as a gift from his beloved Imelda. During his 58 years old birthday on 11 Sept 1975. And this
watch was later given to one of the Rolex 12 members who fled to USA and sold into
the pawn shop or jewelry buyers.
One of the US citizen brought that watch at Tourneau NYC with US$11,000 in 2009. He kept this watch and sent for Patek for a movement overhaul in 2013. And he contacted me as knowing that I am watch blogger and like to have this precious piece of watch, we had established discussion on selling the watch since 2013 till 2018 for 7 years. Due to tax and logistic concern, we did come up to a chance that I could get to a law firm amidst the hectic Makati city to buy this watch with certain amount of money directly from hands of his wife. I was so amazed.
The watch
It is a Patek Philippe Ref 3528/3
This Patek Philippe was entirely made in 18k white gold with a smooth and finely made mesh
bracelet. A stunning Sunburst Anthracite dial. Length is uncut 7.75 inches.
Manual winding movement. Ref 3528-3. With Patek Archive papers. This watch was produced by Patek Philippine in 1971.
This Patek Philippe watch has a 25.5 x 29.5 mm case with a rectangle caseback with stick dial. This is an exceptional piece of artworks
from Patek Philippe. Condition is like super excellent, time taking is very
accurate, the manual winding is ultra smooth.
A watch that was made 51 years old, but it is not outdated in
shape and size at all as a dress watch. Of course the value is not just the
watch itself but the memorial value of the most powerful man in the Philippines in the 80's. And, mots of all, this is a Patek Philippe.
We have been trying to contact Imelda but personally I don’t know her and naturally I had issue to contact her. Though I have two friends who know her in persons. but due to COVID- 19, Imelda did not show up at my friend's jewelry stores. My purpose is to ask to re-recognize his watch and sign a document to authenticate it.
We would like to sell
it in public auction and would like to donate certain big portion not less than 50% to the charity of Philippines after deduction of all administration fee and auction commission.
I believe this is one of the contributions from the former president to the
people of Philippines.
