Patek Philippe - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1954
    Reference No: 2526
    Movement No: 761’078
    Case No: 685’328
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12-600 AT, 30 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k rose gold buckle, signed PPCo.
    Dimensions: 35.5mm diameter
    Accessories: Accompanied by presentation box and Extract from the Archives confirming date of manufacture in 1954 and subsequent sale on May 4th, 1955.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s reference 2526 was introduced in 1953 and was not only the brand's first model featuring a self-winding movement, but also set the standard for a timeless and elegant case design that later inspired many future models. Its stunning looks, sensual curves, and perfect proportions make it one of the most iconic time-only wristwatches for collectors. Inside, the celebrated caliber 12-600 AT, Patek Philippe’s first automatic movement, is considered by many to be amongst the most beautiful self-winding movements made by any manufacturer. To this day, the most distinct attribute of this mechanism is the beautifully handcrafted 18-karat gold rotor featuring the ‘PP’ crest in the middle surrounded by impressive guilloché engraving. Reference 2526 was produced in yellow gold, pink gold, white gold, and platinum, with oversized, water-resistant cases measuring 35.5 mm. All were fitted with either silvered or exquisite enamel dials. This warm, pink gold example remains in superb, hardly worn condition, and its pristine white enamel dial, with beautiful pink gold baton hour markers and dauphine hands, is free of any cracks or restorations. Furthermore, this watch is accompanied by its original presentation box, as well as an Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture in 1954 and subsequent sale on May 4th, 1955. Its well-preserved condition, distinguished look, and easy wearability make this an exceptional example of the iconic ref. 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 highly attractive and rare pink gold wristwatch with enamel dial, accompanied by presentation box and Extract from the Archives.

1954
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
35.5mm diameter

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF29,200-58,500
€25,600-51,100
HK$234,000-468,000

Sold for $62,500

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017