Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI Hong Kong Saturday, November 28, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1958
    Reference No: 2526
    Movement No: 765'421
    Case No: 2’604'108
    Model Name: Calatrava
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12-600, 30 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present watch in 1958 and its subsequent date of sale on April 7, 1959.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Renowned as Patek Philippe’s first self-winding movement wristwatch, the reference 2526 is a timeless must-have collector’s timepiece. Created in yellow, pink, white gold, as well as platinum, the reference was fitted with an oversized, water-resistant case measuring 35mm in diameter. This pink gold version is more precious and rare than the yellow gold versions due to its limited production numbers.

    This lovely pink gold example is from the 3rd series featuring a flat screw down case back and the period correct “short” 6 o’clock index.

    The watch is still considered to this day, to be one of the best automatic movements ever created. This is due to the fact that Patek Philippe, like all other manufacturers, was not able to use a rotor to create an automatic movements until the Rolex patent expired. Rather than spending time on less optimal solutions (bumper rotors, hinged-lugs winding etc.), Patek Philippe focused on R&D for over two decades, waiting for the patent to expire. Cal. 12-600 is the result of this great endeavor.

    Reference 2526 was in production from 1953 until 1960 then replaced by reference 3428.

  • 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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976

Ref. 2526
A rare and very fine yellow gold wristwatch with small seconds and enamel dial

1958
35mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 400,000 
€25,900-43,100
$30,800-51,300

Sold for HK$504,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI

Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2020