Patek Philippe - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1954
    Reference No: 2526
    Movement No: 761'413
    Case No: 687'281
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12'''600, 30 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max. length 200mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Folding clasp, stamped 1.54
    Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by original Certificate of Origin and an Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch was manufactured in 1954, and its subsequent sale on September 7, 1955

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s first automatic wristwatch, the legendary reference 2526 was introduced to the market in 1953. Launched with the celebrated caliber 12-600 AT - Patek Philippe’s first automatic movement - it is considered by many to be the most beautiful self-winding movement made by any manufacturer. While predominantly produced in yellow gold, a small series were crafted in pink gold, and an even smaller series in white gold, with the rarest in platinum. Fitted with an unrestored enamel dial and yellow gold baton hour markers, this particular example is a first generation dial, recognized for its enamel surface that flares underneath the top and bottom of each baton hour marker, through which each marker is secured. This watch is particularly rare to find with its period-correct heavy yellow gold bracelet with massive, basket weave links. Coming from only the second owner of the watch, the case is exceptionally well preserved, having never been polished. With sharp lugs and perfectly preserved lines and curves as it left the factory some 6 decades ago, we can hardly recall another yellow gold 2526 that has come before us in such excellent overall condition. A vintage piece that has been preserved to this extent will certainly impress even the most discerning collector. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives and the original Certificate of Origin, this watch is a superb representation of Patek Philippe’s coveted reference 2526.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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Ref. 2526
A very rare and highly attractive yellow gold wristwatch with enamel dial, heavy bracelet and original certificate

1954
35mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 60,000 
€36,700-55,100
$41,200-61,800

Sold for CHF87,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016