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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with enamel dial and lapped hour markers in 1958 and its subsequent sale in 23 July 1960.
The present watch is a very rare example of second series reference 2526 in pink gold, with the equally hard to find type F bracelet. This type of bracelet is distinguished by its very robust and masculine looks characterized by a broad line of central links and two smaller lines of side links. Interestingly, this construction is vaguely reminiscent of that of the Rolex President bracelet, although with different proportions.
Reference 2526 is considered one of the most well designed Patek Philippe wristwatches of the past century. With its pure and flowing lines, the case, obviously inspired by the Calatrava models of previous years, is an epitome of elegance and understatement. The enamel dial as well has absolute readability thanks to its clean design and the broad (compared to previous styles) dauphine hands.
Reference 2526 was the first automatic wristwatch by Patek Philippe, and it is universally considered one of the most fascinating and well executed time-only creations of the past century. The 12-600 AT calibre that powers it is universally regarded as the most lavishly finished and best engineered automatic movement of the time: its accuracy comparable to that of modern calibres.
This model was available in the three gold colors and in platinum (for a yellow gold example, see lot 155). A number of bracelet styles were available, made by the most renowned jewelers of the time: Ponti e Gennari or Gay Freres (like in this instance). It can be divided in three distinct series:
- First series: domed case back, enamel dial and riveted numerals. The dial presents flared holes under each numeral in order to allow for the setting of the numeral.
- Second series: domed case back, enamel dials with the numerals glued to it. The dial presents only two flared holes for the hands.
- Third series: flat case back, and in later ones metal dial.
- Fourth series: same as third series, but with new calibre 27-460.
The present watch is a very rare example of second series reference 2526 in pink gold, with the equally hard to find type F bracelet. This type of bracelet is distinguished by its very robust and masculine looks characterized by a broad line of central links and two smaller lines of side links. Interestingly, this construction is vaguely reminiscent of that of the Rolex President bracelet, although with different proportions.
Reference 2526 is considered one of the most well designed Patek Philippe wristwatches of the past century. With its pure and flowing lines, the case, obviously inspired by the Calatrava models of previous years, is an epitome of elegance and understatement. The enamel dial as well has absolute readability thanks to its clean design and the broad (compared to previous styles) dauphine hands.
Reference 2526 was the first automatic wristwatch by Patek Philippe, and it is universally considered one of the most fascinating and well executed time-only creations of the past century. The 12-600 AT calibre that powers it is universally regarded as the most lavishly finished and best engineered automatic movement of the time: its accuracy comparable to that of modern calibres.
This model was available in the three gold colors and in platinum (for a yellow gold example, see lot 155). A number of bracelet styles were available, made by the most renowned jewelers of the time: Ponti e Gennari or Gay Freres (like in this instance). It can be divided in three distinct series:
- First series: domed case back, enamel dial and riveted numerals. The dial presents flared holes under each numeral in order to allow for the setting of the numeral.
- Second series: domed case back, enamel dials with the numerals glued to it. The dial presents only two flared holes for the hands.
- Third series: flat case back, and in later ones metal dial.
- Fourth series: same as third series, but with new calibre 27-460.