Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1957 Reference No: 2526 Movement No: 764'348 Case No: 698'227 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12'''600 AT, 30 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 35.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1957 and its subsequent sale on January 21, 1958.
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. The reference was produced in yellow gold, pink gold, white gold, and platinum, with all metals fitted with either metal or enamel dials.
The present example is an exceedingly rare yellow gold example retailed by Serpico y Laino. Founded in the late 1920s by Leopoldo Serpico and Vicente Laino, Serpico y Laino is no longer in business today but has had the privilege of stamping its name on some of the most important Patek Philippe and Rolex timepieces of the 20th century. This watch has been preserved in exceptional condition, and the case is preserved in possibly unpolished condition. The pristine second generation enamel dial displays the exclusive Serpico y Laino retailer signature in the subsidiary dial for constant seconds. Additionally, the caseback stamped ‘S.&L.’ remains crisp and legible, which is a treat for collectors to see. In addition, a crisp hallmark can be found between the lugs, underscoring the exceptional condition of this timepiece. Given the thick proportions and defined angles, we believe that the watch has never seen polishing throughout its lifetime.
Fresh to the auction market, the present watch is one of the finest examples to appear on the market. This watch offers enduring value, exclusivity, and wearability for the discerning collector.
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.
Ref. 2526 An extremely well-preserved and possibly unpolished yellow gold wristwatch with automatic movement and enamel dial, retailed by Serpico y Laino
1957 35.5mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed