Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN Hong Kong Monday, November 26, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1955
    Reference No: 2526
    Movement No: 762'037
    Case No: 689'099
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12-600, 30 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 35 mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: With additional associated custom-made glazed case back. Further delivered with Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1955 and its subsequent sale on February 15, 1956

  • Catalogue Essay

    Renowned as Patek Philippe’s first self-winding movement wristwatch, the reference 2526 is a timeless must-have collector’s timepiece. Created in yellow , pink, and white gold, as well as platinum, the reference was fitted with an oversized, water-resistant case measuring 35 mm in diameter. This pink gold version is more precious and rare than the yellow gold versions due to its limited production numbers

    This lovely pink gold example is from the 2nd series feature the rare and delicate eggshell/light cream tone enamel dial. Made to perfection — legend has it that for every one enamel dial produced, nine were discarded.

    The watch is still considered to this day, to be one of the best automatic movements ever created. This is due to the fact that Patek Philippe, like all other manufacturers, was not able to use a rotor to create an automatic movements until the Rolex patent expired. Rather than spending time on less optimal solutions (bumper rotors, hinged-lugs winding etc.), Patek Philippe focused on R&D for over two decades, waiting for the patent to expire. Cal. 12-600 is the result of this great endeavor.

    This pink gold example features its original PP crown, and a F. Baumgartner SA case is in excellent condition. Its fine eggshell tone enamel dial, with stunning 18K pink gold hour markers and dauphine hands, is free of any defects.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Σ896

Ref. 2526
A rare and very fine pink gold wristwatch with enamel dial

1955
35 mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$390,000 - 550,000 
€43,100-60,800
$50,000-70,500

Sold for HK$475,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SEVEN

Hong Kong Auction 27 November 2018