Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1947 Reference No: 1526 Movement No: 960’805 Case No: 649’563 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120 Q, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 34mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised hour markers in yellow gold in 1947 and its subsequent sale on February 14th, 1948. Further accompanied by an Extract from the Archives ordered in 1995.
Catalogue Essay
Perpetual calendars hold profound significance in the world of Patek Philippe, representing the pinnacle of technical prowess and precision in watchmaking. These intricate mechanisms, capable of automatically adjusting for months with different numbers of days and leap years, exemplify Patek Philippe's commitment to combining horological excellence with practical functionality.
Patek Philippe’s reference 1526 was first introduced in 1941 and remained in production until 1952. It is estimated that only 210 examples were produced within this twelve year run. With a sole exception in stainless steel, the majority of the examples are predominantly in yellow gold and a fraction in pink gold.
The simplicity of the “Calatrava” style case and serene silver dial is counterbalanced by the magnificently hand decorated movement that mechanically calculates the length of each month throughout the year, while also accounting for leap years. The present example is preserved in lovely condition considering its age. It has developed an attractive patina on the case while its hallmarks remain intact. As a the world’s first serially-produced perpetual calendar wristwatch, this important reference should certainly be considered by collectors who wish to own a milestone reference of Patek Philippe’s history.
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.