Patek Philippe - Double Signed: A Celebration of the Finest Partnerships of Manufacturers and Retailers Geneva Friday, November 8, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1957
    Reference No: 2526
    Movement No: 764'432
    Case No: 698'264
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12'''600 AT, 30 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather and 18K pink gold Gay Frères bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated buckle and Gay Frères clasp stamped 1.50
    Dimensions: 35.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed Serpico y Laino, case signed S.&.L. and bracelet signed Gay Frères
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1957 and its subsequent sale on May 21, 1958.

  • Catalogue Essay

    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 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.

    While the reference was produced predominantly in yellow gold, fewer examples were cased in pink gold. In particular, those from Patek Philippe’s retailer in Caracas, Serpico y Laino, are especially sought after amongst collectors today.

    This watch has been preserved in exceptional 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. There are very few examples of reference 2526 known to the market in pink gold bearing the prestigious retailer's name, adding to the rarity of this piece.

    The present watch is one of the finest examples to appear on the market, having been sold for the first time at auction in the thematic Patek Philippe 175th Anniversary sale held in 2014 in Geneva. Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives, and also accompanied with a period correct, matching pink gold bracelet manufactured by Gay Frères, this watch offers enduring value, exclusivity, and wearability for the discerning collector.

  • 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
A very rare and extremely well-preserved pink gold wristwatch with enamel dial, automatic movement and bracelet

1957
35.5mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed Serpico y Laino, case signed S.&.L. and bracelet signed Gay Frères

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€27,500-54,900
$30,100-60,300

Sold for CHF62,500

Contact Specialist
Virginie Liatard-Roessli
Specialist, Head of Sale
+41 76 338 91 03
vliatard@phillips.com

Double Signed: A Celebration of the Finest Partnerships of Manufacturers and Retailers

Geneva Auction 9 November 2019