Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1955 Reference No: 2526 Movement No: 762'633 Case No: 691'213 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12'''600 AT, 30 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold buckle signed PPCo. Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of production of the present watch with black dial in 1955 and its subsequent sale on August 27, 1956. Literature: The dial of the present watch is prominently illustrated and described in the scholarly book "Le Cadran" by Dr. Helmut Crott, pp.324-325
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 by many considered to be the most beautiful self- winding movement made by any manufacturer.
The reference was produced in yellow gold, pink gold, white gold, and platinum, with all metals fitted with either metal or enamel dials. Those fitted with black dials, like the present lot, are especially rare and sought after. From the first series of dials produced, the dial exhibits beautiful flares around the tops and bottoms of each minute marker. When originally manufactured, the first series dial incorporated holes to secure each baton hour marker – a high cost production method that Patek later abandoned.
With only few examples known, this particular example stands out from the group, having no cracks whatsoever, and with an extract stating the watch was born with a black enamel dial. Another highly unusual feature of this dial is the "SWISS MADE" and "SWISS" designation at the bottom of the dial, which must have been a requirement of local custom authorities where Patek Philippe would ship watches.
It remains in excellent overall condition with strong definition to the case and lugs, and a hallmark present between the lugs. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives confirming the black dial, this exciting watch can be considered as an ultimate treasure for collectors.
The present watch is one of 18 known yellow gold examples with a black dial.
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.