Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII Geneva Friday, November 3, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1951
    Reference No: 1526
    Movement No: 966'946
    Case No: 665'501
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12'''120, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPCo
    Dimensions: 34mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece in 1951 and its subsequent sale on September 18th 1953.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s groundbreaking reference 1526 was a landmark model as it was the very first serially produced perpetual calendar wristwatch. Launched in 1941 and in production until 1952, it forged a new path for the manufacture and would set the benchmark and standard for many perpetual calendar models to come.

    The apparent simplicity of the case and dial underlines the exquisitely complicated movement, one that mechanically calculates the length of each month throughout the year, whilst also accounting for leap years. Over the decade reference 1526 was in production, only 210 pieces were ever made, the large majority in yellow gold, an extremely low number in pink gold and only one in steel known to date.

    The present lot is amongst the first generation models produced as it has a double circle around the aperture for the moon phases, one indicating the constant seconds, the other one the date of the month.

    The attractive dal displays minimalist Arabic numerals, retains its original hard enamel printing throughout. The present watch is furthermore housed in a well-preserved pink gold case, with a crisp hallmark beneath the lug.

    A truly special timepiece, it will appeal to the collector looking for not only a very well preserved and extremely rare specimen, 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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Σ64

Ref. 1526
A rare and attractive pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moonphases

Circa 1951
34mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF120,000 - 240,000 
€126,000-252,000
$133,000-267,000

Sold for CHF190,500

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

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The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII

Geneva Auction 3 - 4 November 2023