Reference 2526 in a landmark model in the history of Patek Philippe, being not only one of the first automatic Patek Philippe references but also featuring a screw back. The screw back case is a sporty feature very unusual to be found in Patek Philippe wristwatches, as the brand has been historically focused on high-end complicated timepieces, which at the time were never waterproof as the owner would never imagine to go swimming with such watches (there are however exceptions to this rule: see lot 864 - PP2438). The automatic movement cal. 12-600 is, this time completely abiding to Patek Philippe canons, a pinnacle of watchmaking, still considered today one of the best automatic movements ever made. This is because Patek Philippe, like all other manufacturers, could not use a rotor to create automatic movements until the Rolex patent on it expired. Instead of opting for less optimal solutions (bumper rotors, hinged-lugs winding etc.), they focused on R&D for about two decades, waiting for the expiration. Cal. 12-600 is the result of this endeavour.

Reference 2526 can be divided into four series:
1st series, featuring enamel dial with flared holes for the numerals and domed back
2nd series, featuring enamel dial without flared holes for the numerals and either domed or flat back - exemplified by this match
3rd series, featuring metal dial and flat back
4th series - the very last examples of reference 2526 feature the final evolution of caliber 12-600: cal. 27-460, thus they are identical to upcoming reference 3428 (which is identical to reference 2526, but with cal. 27-460), save for the reference number.

The enamel dial present on 1st and 2nd series 2526 is also part of the reason why this reference is so appreciated. Incredibly complex to produce - legend has it that for one dial made, nine were discarded - and equally expensive - that’s why third series piece do not mount it anymore - it is distinguished by a very specific eggshell/light cream tone unmistakable by connoisseurs of the brand.

Realized in yellow gold, pink gold, white gold and platinum, reference 2526 was in production during the 1950s, with some pieces sold well into the sixties. Pink gold examples such as the present one are much rarer than their yellow gold siblings. An enamel dial, pink gold 2526 is without a doubt at the top of the list of the most serious Patek Philippe collectors not only due to its technical proficiency and historical importance, but also thanks to its extreme versatility and wearability.