.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1951 and its subsequent sale on January 14th of 1953.
Reference 1526 was produced from 1940 to 1952, and is known as one of the most elegant complicated models produced by Patek Philippe. Its scarce production also makes it one of the rarest - it is estimated that a little over 200 examples were made. The majority were cased in yellow gold, with a small amount being cased in pink gold. A single unique piece was cased in stainless steel, and can now be seen at Patek Philippe's prestigious watch museum in Geneva.
Reference 1526 cases were made by Emile Vichet, who also made cases for the references 1518 and 130. The earliest dials featured a subsidiary dial with the date on the inner ring and the seconds on the outside, as a double railway, or "chemin de fer". After 1943, the date ring was moved to the outside and the seconds on the inside. Towards the end of production in the late 1940's, the subsidiary dial only had a railway around the date, and the subsidiary seconds were indexed around the moon phase or the bottom half of the moon phase.
The present example is a fine specimen of this coveted reference, with a well-preserved case, showcasing a crisp hallmark in the band and on the backside of the upper left lug. The timeless design and smooth proportions of this reference will appeal to any connoisseur looking to add an elegant complicated dress watch to their collection.
Reference 1526 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition, page 215.
Reference 1526 was produced from 1940 to 1952, and is known as one of the most elegant complicated models produced by Patek Philippe. Its scarce production also makes it one of the rarest - it is estimated that a little over 200 examples were made. The majority were cased in yellow gold, with a small amount being cased in pink gold. A single unique piece was cased in stainless steel, and can now be seen at Patek Philippe's prestigious watch museum in Geneva.
Reference 1526 cases were made by Emile Vichet, who also made cases for the references 1518 and 130. The earliest dials featured a subsidiary dial with the date on the inner ring and the seconds on the outside, as a double railway, or "chemin de fer". After 1943, the date ring was moved to the outside and the seconds on the inside. Towards the end of production in the late 1940's, the subsidiary dial only had a railway around the date, and the subsidiary seconds were indexed around the moon phase or the bottom half of the moon phase.
The present example is a fine specimen of this coveted reference, with a well-preserved case, showcasing a crisp hallmark in the band and on the backside of the upper left lug. The timeless design and smooth proportions of this reference will appeal to any connoisseur looking to add an elegant complicated dress watch to their collection.
Reference 1526 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition, page 215.