Patek Philippe’s first automatic wristwatch, the legendary reference 2526, was introduced to the market in 1953 and set the standard for a timeless and elegant case design. Reference 2526 was launched with the celebrated caliber 12-600 AT - Patek Philippe’s first automatic movement, considered by many to be the most beautiful self-winding movement made by any manufacturer. Created in yellow, pink, and white gold, as well as platinum, the 35.5mm diameter Baumgartner-fabricated case was oversized for the era.

The 12-600 AT is still considered to this day, to be one of the best automatic movements ever created. This is due to the fact that Patek Philippe, like all other manufacturers, was not able to produce an automatic movement with a 360-degree rotor until Rolex’s patent expired. Rather than spending time on less optimal solutions (bumper rotors, hinged-lugs winding, etc.), Patek Philippe focused its R&D on the cal. 12-600 for over two decades, waiting for the patent to expire.

In short, the reference 2526 is an historic horological milestone as the first automatic wristwatch from Patek Philippe. It is an archetype of well-executed design throughout the second half of the 20th century and beyond, and it is rare as only approximately 2,500 examples in all metals were produced. Fitted with the twice-baked enamel dial so sought after in these models, the present example was sold in 1956 by famed Swiss retailer, Gübelin, and comes accompanied with the original Gübelin-stamped Patek Philippe certificate and Gübelin presentation box. Someone involved in the purchase of the watch (perhaps the wife of the original owner, the Mrs. Cushing addressed in the shipping letter) carefully translated the certificate of origin from French to English. There is additionally a letter regarding the insured shipping from Gübelin to an unknown end destination.

Its case is in absolutely superb condition, most likely never polished, and showing signs of hardly ever being worn. Fitted with a flawless "first series" enamel dial, and complete with its original accessories, it is a trophy watch for the discerning collector.