Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1954 Reference No: 2526 Movement No: 760'479 Case No: 682'044 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12-600, 30 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet, max length 170mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated July 7, 1954 and Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1954 with gold bracelet and its subsequent sale on July 7, 1954.
Catalogue Essay
Making its debut in 1953, the Patek Philippe reference 2526 was the firm’s first self-winding wristwatch that was serially produced. Adored and appreciated by collectors, the prestigious reference is arguably one of the most impressive time-only model ever manufactured by Patek Philippe due to its practical self-winding caliber, timeless design and its tastefully executed off-white enamel dial. Encased in yellow gold, pink gold, white gold and platinum, the model today is a classic and must-have for Patek Philippe collectors.
The present example Patek Philippe ref. 2526 in yellow gold from the first series features case and movement numbers that are consistent with examples from the respective series. Featuring an off-white enamel dial with shorter index at 6 o’clock and a domed screw-down caseback the present example is a must-have reference for vintage connoisseurs.
The yellow gold bracelet (confirmed by the Extract from the Archives) gives the watch extra flamboyance and appeal.
Furthermore, it is accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin from 1954.
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.