The term ‘Generalissimo’ means the absolute superlative of general – the highest of the highest rank. It’s been used to describe Joseph Stalin, Francisco Franco, and most famously for the man depicted on this watch – Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek. Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975) was a prominent Chinese military and political leader, best known for his leadership of the Republic of China (ROC) and the Kuomintang (KMT), the political party that governed mainland China from 1927 to 1949 before relocating to Taiwan. During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945), Chiang spearheaded China’s fight against Japanese invaders with support from the Allies. After World War II, he clashed with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the Chinese Civil War and was ultimately defeated by Mao Zedong’s forces in 1949. Following the defeat, Chiang and the KMT retreated to Taiwan prioritizing modernization and economic development while enforcing martial law. Chiang ruled Taiwan until his death in 1975. His legacy is complex—he is credited with Taiwan’s economic growth and stability, but his authoritarian governance and inability to retain control over mainland China have drawn significant criticism. While his legacy is a topic of debate, it is clear that opinions on his rule remain deeply divided.
This watch depicts a famous photograph of Chiang Kai-Shek and was most likely added to this watch in the 1940s. The original and early period Patek Philippe box that accompanies this watch suggests that this watch was possibly a First Prize for some sort of contest or a political presentation. For a discussion around the mystery of this watch, please see this video.
The Extract from the Archives describes the gilded dial in detail with its Breguet numerals and small seconds. The open face bassine style case is also described making this Patek Philippe classic as beautiful as it is intriguing. For the collector looking for a watch that has a story that is still being told, look now further than this fascinating and mysterious timepiece.
