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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with gold dial in 1954 and its subsequent sale on 30 July 1955. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe fitted presentation box.
To the best of our knowledge, this watch is only the second example of a reference 2526 in pink gold with enamel dial featuring baton numerals combined with Arabic 3, 9 and 12 hour markers. The only other reference 2526 known to date fitted with similar dial layout but cased in yellow gold is on permanent exhibit at the prestigious Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.
The rarity is further enhanced by the pink gold bracelet, although not mentioned on the Extract from the Archives it is dated from the same period, 4.54, and was most certainly added immediately upon purchase of the watch by its first owner.
The combination of the pink gold case, the highly attractive ivory-coloured enamel dial with the rare and unusual layout, the very good, original overall condition and the pink gold bracelet render the watch a treasure for the avid collector
Reference 2526 takes a historically most relevant role in the further establishing of Patek Philippe's fame to be the premier manufacturer of the world's finest wristwatches. In fact, it was this landmark model to be given the privilege to house the first automatic calibre ever by Patek Philippe, the famous 12'''-600. This state-of-the-art calibre with the main spring wound through the oscillating movements of a massive 18K gold engine-turned rotor is seen by many as the most lavishly finished automatic movement ever made by any manufacturer.
Reference 2526 furthermore gained celebrity status amongst watch collectors as it was generally fitted with a beautiful ivory coloured enamel dial. The egg-shell hue displayed by this dial is unique and ensures that still today, over half a century later, this model still enjoys massive popularity amongst collectors.
Examples of reference 2526 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, 1st edition pp. 168-169, 2nd edition pp. 213, 216-217.
To the best of our knowledge, this watch is only the second example of a reference 2526 in pink gold with enamel dial featuring baton numerals combined with Arabic 3, 9 and 12 hour markers. The only other reference 2526 known to date fitted with similar dial layout but cased in yellow gold is on permanent exhibit at the prestigious Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva.
The rarity is further enhanced by the pink gold bracelet, although not mentioned on the Extract from the Archives it is dated from the same period, 4.54, and was most certainly added immediately upon purchase of the watch by its first owner.
The combination of the pink gold case, the highly attractive ivory-coloured enamel dial with the rare and unusual layout, the very good, original overall condition and the pink gold bracelet render the watch a treasure for the avid collector
Reference 2526 takes a historically most relevant role in the further establishing of Patek Philippe's fame to be the premier manufacturer of the world's finest wristwatches. In fact, it was this landmark model to be given the privilege to house the first automatic calibre ever by Patek Philippe, the famous 12'''-600. This state-of-the-art calibre with the main spring wound through the oscillating movements of a massive 18K gold engine-turned rotor is seen by many as the most lavishly finished automatic movement ever made by any manufacturer.
Reference 2526 furthermore gained celebrity status amongst watch collectors as it was generally fitted with a beautiful ivory coloured enamel dial. The egg-shell hue displayed by this dial is unique and ensures that still today, over half a century later, this model still enjoys massive popularity amongst collectors.
Examples of reference 2526 are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, 1st edition pp. 168-169, 2nd edition pp. 213, 216-217.