Patek Philippe - Geneva Watch Auction: TWO Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2015 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1954
    Reference No: 2526
    Movement No: 760'498
    Case No: 682'227
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12-600, 30 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k pink and white gold deployant buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming year of production of the present watch in 1954 and its subsequent sale on June 18, 1954

  • 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.

    Produced predominantly in yellow gold, with a small series made in pink gold, and an even smaller series in white gold, reference 2526 examples cased in platinum are exceedingly rare, and remain the most difficult amongst collectors to acquire. When cased in platinum, they're more commonly seen with a silvered dial and diamond indexes.

    If Patek Philippe’s reference 2526 in platinum isn’t rare enough, when fitted with an enamel dial and white gold baton hour markers the watch becomes exceedingly rare. With only five known, this particular example stands out from the group, as the extract clearly specifies it was born with an enamel dial, which is the ultimate treasure for collectors.

    This watch has been well preserved by the owner, and remains in excellent overall condition with strong definition to the case and lugs. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives, this watch is excellent value 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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185

Ref. 2526
An extremely rare and important platinum wristwatch with cream-colored enamel dial and raised white gold hour markers

1954
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 

Sold for CHF227,000

Contact Specialist
Nathalie Monbaron
+41 22 317 81 83

Geneva Watch Auction: TWO

Geneva Auction 7 & 8 November 2015 6:30pm