Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1951
    Reference No: 1526
    Movement No: 966'369
    Case No: 663'011
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12'''120 Q, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold pin buckle signed PP.Co
    Dimensions: 34mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1951 and its subsequent sale on 3 November 1953.
    Literature: Reference 1526 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum, Patek Philippe Watches - Volume II, pages 287 to 291.

  • Catalogue Essay

    We have to start by saying that the present reference 1526 is undoubtedly the best preserved example we have had the pleasure of setting our eyes on. Most certainly unpolished and worn with extreme care, the lugs are thick and the case crisp.

    We are witnessing a current trend for larger and bulkier watches made from the 1950s and on, however the present timepiece is proof that a full bodied and unpolished 34mm case can have immense wrist presence and nothing to shy away from its larger counterparts.

    Reference 1526 is a historically important timepiece as it is not only the very first serially produced perpetual calendar wristwatch, launched in 1941 and in production until 1952, but also a timepiece whose design set the benchmark for what a classic perpetual calendar wristwatch should look like!

    The simplicity of the “Calatrava” style case and serene silver dial is counterbalanced by the magnificently hand decorated movement that mechanically calculates the length of each month throughout the year, whilst also accounting for leap years. Only four pink gold examples of the reference 1526 left Patek Philippe's workshops each year over the 11 years this reference was in production.

    The strong case, long thick lugs and thin bezel enhance the impression of size and wrist presence. The dial is in magnificent condition and provides an elegant and serene contrast with the pink gold case. Sold in 1953 when the reference 2497 (the successor to the reference 1526) was already launched, the present gem is most certainly amongst the very last reference 1526 models ever made.

    The present lot from an important private collection has had only two owners since its production. It is impregnated with elegance and grace 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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120

Ref. 1526
An extremely well preserved, attractive and very rare pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moonphases

1951
34mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF200,000 - 400,000 
€173,000-345,000
$207,000-413,000

Sold for CHF396,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017