Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX Hong Kong Monday, May 28, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1953
    Reference No: 2526
    Movement No: 760'356
    Case No: 679'873
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12'600 AT, 30 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe bracelet
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold
    Dimensions: 36mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied with Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in black dial, gilt Arabic numerals in 1953 and its subsequent sale on March 19th, 1954.

  • Catalogue Essay

    This reference 2526 is in a completely different league. Part of an earlier series of 2526 with no ball bearings used for its winding rotor, it’s fitted with its original lacquered black dial as confirmed by the extract from the archives. What makes it extraordinary are the mirrored, gilt Arabic numerals , also confirmed on the archive extract. In our research, no other reference 2526 with similar Arabic numerals has ever appeared in public. The style appears to be military-inspired, and was likely a special order made at the request of an important client. All of these factors combine for a singular wristwatch.

    The present reference 2526, in addition to its extremely special dial, is cased in 18 karat yellow gold and paired with a Patek Philippe 18 karat yellow gold brick-style bracelet with double ‘P’ medallion adorning the clasp. Likewise, the original double ‘P’ winding crown is fitted, indicating water-resistance. In well-preserved condition, the original hallmarks between and under the lugs are still crisp. The stunning black dial shows almost no signs of aging, attesting to highest quality materials and construction used by Patek Philippe, and careful wear over the course of its 65-year life.

  • 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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FROM AN IMPORTANT ASIAN COLLECTOR

814

Ref. 2526
A highly attractive and possibly unique yellow gold wristwatch with Arabic numerals and bracelet

1953
36mm. diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed.

Estimate
HK$1,200,000 - 2,000,000 
€132,000-220,000
$154,000-256,000

Sold for HK$2,375,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: SIX

Hong Kong Auction 29 May 2018