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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black dial and gilt Arabic hour markers in 1953 and its subsequent sale on 19 March 1954.
This example of Patek Philippe's landmark ref. 2526 is one of the true stars within this family. In fact, known within the collector's community for more than 20 years and fully confirmed by the archives of Patek Philippe, it is an important addition to any distinguished watch collection. In over 30 years of international auctions and throughout literature, no other reference 2526 fitted with such a unusual black lacquer dial with Arabic numerals has ever been shown, offered, or been mentioned on the market. Being part of the very early production of this reference, one must conclude that it was a special order executed according to the precise ideas of one of the firm's most important and demanding clients.
Reference 2526, introduced in 1953, was Patek Philippe's first model featuring an automatic movement, the legendary calibre 12-600 AT. The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition pp. 168-169, second edition pp. 213, 216-217.
This example of Patek Philippe's landmark ref. 2526 is one of the true stars within this family. In fact, known within the collector's community for more than 20 years and fully confirmed by the archives of Patek Philippe, it is an important addition to any distinguished watch collection. In over 30 years of international auctions and throughout literature, no other reference 2526 fitted with such a unusual black lacquer dial with Arabic numerals has ever been shown, offered, or been mentioned on the market. Being part of the very early production of this reference, one must conclude that it was a special order executed according to the precise ideas of one of the firm's most important and demanding clients.
Reference 2526, introduced in 1953, was Patek Philippe's first model featuring an automatic movement, the legendary calibre 12-600 AT. The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition pp. 168-169, second edition pp. 213, 216-217.