Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2024 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Condition Report

  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1954
    Reference No: 2526
    Movement No: 760'979
    Case No: 684'552
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12-600, 30 jewels, stamped with the Geneva Seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold pin buckle signed PPCo
    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 1954 and its subsequent sale on December 16, 1954.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present Patek Philippe ref 2526 places itself within the ultra exclusive and covetable category of the models made not only in pink gold but to also feature the signature of famed Montevideo (Uruguay) based retailer Freccero (still in business today) on the dial.

    Patek Philippe’s first automatic wristwatch, the legendary reference 2526, was introduced to the market in 1953 and set the standard for a timeless and elegant case design. Reference 2526 was launched with the celebrated caliber 12-600 AT - Patek Philippe’s first automatic movement, considered by many to be the most beautiful self-winding movement made by any manufacturer. Created in yellow, pink, and white gold, as well as platinum, the 35.5mm diameter Baumgartner-fabricated case was oversized for the era.

    Very early examples such as the present dial feature flared holes not only in the centre but also in correspondence of every single index. An extremely costly production methodology, such dials were later abandoned in favour of simpler enamel dials with one flared hole at the centre and glued indexes (Second Series dials) but even these ones proved to be anti economical, prompting Patek to finally settle for metal dials (Third Series). The present pink gold reference 2526 with Freccero signature represents the ultimate echelon of vintage time only Patek Philippe and the present example fresh to the market is one of only 7 known in this combination.

  • 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.

    View More Works

104

Ref. 2526
A very attractive pink gold wristwatch with first series enamel dial, retailed by Freccero

1954
35.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€51,100-102,000
$54,700-109,000

Place Advance Bid
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

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection

Geneva Auction 11 - 12 May 2024