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Patek Philippe

Ref. 2526

A highly attractive, well-preserved and elegant yellow gold wristwatch with automatic movement and enamel dial

Estimate
CHF20,000–40,000
€21,300–42,500
$24,700–49,400
Current Bid (3 bids)
CHF28,000
Current Bid (3 bids)
CHF28,000
Manufacturer
Patek Philippe
Year
1954
Movement No
761'333
Reference No
2526
Case No
686'669
Material
18k yellow gold
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 12-600 AT, 30 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPCo
Dimensions
35.5mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1954 and its subsequent sale on July 26, 1955 and service invoice.
Read Conditions of Sale
- 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.

- Its case is in absolutely superb condition, with extraordinary definition and crisp hallmarks throughout (one between the lugs and one under the lugs). Fitted with an extremely attractive "first series" enamel dial, it is a stunning example.

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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