Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE Geneva Saturday, May 14, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1955
    Reference No: 2526
    Movement No: 762'633
    Case No: 691'213
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12'''600 AT, 30 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold buckle, signed PPCo.
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by presentation box and Extract from the Archives confirming date of production of the present watch with black dial in 1955 and its subsequent sale on August 27, 1956.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s first automatic wristwatch, the legendary reference 2526 was introduced to the market in 1953. Launched with the celebrated caliber 12'''600 AT, Patek Philippe’s first automatic movement, it is by many considered to be the most beautiful self- winding movement made by any manufacturer.

    Produced in yellow gold, pink gold, white gold, and platinum all sporting either metal or enamel dials. Those fitted with black dials, like the present lot, are especially rare and sought after. From the first series of dials produced, the dial when illuminated, exhibits beautiful flares around the tops and bottoms of each minute marker. When originally manufactured, the first series dial incorporated holes to secure each baton hour marker – a high cost production method that Patek later abandoned.

    With only few examples known, this particular example stands out from the group, having no cracks whatsoever, and with an extract stating the watch was born with a black enamel dial. Another highly unusual feature of this dial is the "SWISS MADE" and "SWISS" designation at the bottom of the dial, which must have been a requirement of local custom authorities where Patek Philippe would ship watches.

    This fresh-to-the-market watch has been especially well preserved. It remains in excellent overall condition with strong definition to the case and lugs. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives, this exciting watch can be considered as an ultimate treasure for collectors.

  • 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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Ref. 2526
An extremely rare and highly attractive yellow gold wristwatch with "double swiss" black enamel dial

1955
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 90,000 
€55,100-82,600
$61,800-92,800

Sold for CHF185,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

The Geneva Watch Auction: THREE

Geneva Auction 15 May 2016