Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1948
    Reference No: 1526
    Movement No: 962'290
    Case No: 653'863
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12'''120 Q, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 34mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an extra set of day and month discs in French and an Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture in 1948 and subsequent sale on August 22nd, 1949.
    Literature: Reference 1526 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum, Patek Philippe Watches - Volume II, pages 287 to 291.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s groundbreaking reference 1526 made history as the very first series produced perpetual calendar wristwatch, launched in 1941 and in production until 1952. It forged a new vision and set the benchmark from which other perpetual calendar wristwatches would get inspiration.

    The apparent simplicity of the case and dial underline the exquisite complicated movement that mechanically calculates the length of each month throughout the year, whilst also accounting for leap years. Over the decade reference 1526 was in production, only 210 pieces were ever made, the large majority in yellow gold, an extremely low number in pink gold and only one in steel known to date.

    The present lot is amongst the first generation models produced as it has a double circle around the aperture for the moon phases, one indicating the constant seconds, the other one the date of the month. The present example must be considered amongst the very best preserved specimen of this legendary model as it appears to be in virtually unworn condition. Its case does not show signs of wear and certainly no signs of polishing.

    The flawless, vanilla- colored dial with its minimalist Arabic numerals, retains its original hard enamel printing throughout. The day and month discs are in English and an extra set of discs in French also accompany this piece.

    Housed in a superbly preserved pink gold case, the present lot fuses with a certain euphotic serenity and will appeal to the collector looking for not only an exceptionally well preserved and extremely rare timepiece, but also one of the first perpetual calendar wristwatches ever made.

  • 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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Σ214

Ref. 1526
A very attractive and extremely rare pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moonphases

1948
34mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF150,000 - 250,000 
€139,000-232,000
$149,000-248,000

Sold for CHF304,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017