The scarab beetle is associated with the Ra, the Sun God (of creation, movement of sun, life and resurrection). The beetle is a common form used for amulets throughout Egyptian history, and scarab beetles appear on timepieces from the late 1800 through early 1900s.
From Patek Philippe I have found only a single piece sold publicly. If you own or know of others, please let me know.
Patek Philippe Scarab Beetle
Manufacture date: 1888
Movement number: 82972
Material: 18K gold, diamond, ruby, enamel
Retailer: Tiffany & Co. (dial and movement signed)
Length: 55mm
Sale date: May 15, 1889
Last public sale: Christie’s, Important Watches and Wristwatches, New York, 12 October 2006
Last public sale price: USD 66,000
There are numerous examples from the period, including from Vacheron Constantin (1910), Longines (1916), along with unknown makers in Switzerland from c.1880, c.1880, c.1880 and c.1890.
