Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1955 Reference No: 2526 Movement No: 761’719 Case No: 686’662 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12-600 AT, 30 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe Gay Frères bracelet, max length 180mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe Gay Frères folding clasp stamped “4 53” Dimensions: 36mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed Accessories: Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1955 and its subsequent sale on October 26, 1955.
Catalogue Essay
The extraordinary reference 2526 is the first ever automatic wristwatch introduced by Patek Philippe in 1953. As stated in the Patek Philippe period brochure, the reference 2526 is “treasured for its luxurious elegance, the beauty of its lines and its enduring accuracy”, and after seven decades, it has continued to be heralded as one of the most impressive and historically important time-only wristwatches ever produced by Patek Philippe.
The present reference 2526 is an exceptionally rare early example that comes with a black dial. The present watch is one of 18 known yellow gold examples with a black dial on the market. Its dazzling black grand feu enamel dial signifies a first series dial. Two subtle indentations are found around each hour marker since the gold applied indexes are set onto the enamel dial through two holes with two cylindrical pins. This is also evidenced by the smaller 6 o’clock index touching the subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock found in later first series examples. The Patek Philippe signature applied in gold dust is exceptionally well-preserved on the dial, with the accent on ‘Genève’ remaining crisp. In perfect harmony with the exquisite gold dauphine hands and applied gold single-pointed indexes, the gold powder pearls are tastefully transfer-printed on the edge of the glossy black enamel dial. The crown of the watch also features the beautiful “Double P” logo. Every minute hand-finished details on the present timepiece are sublime, and no words can express the sense of wonderment it kindles in you when it is observed in close.
The present watch further boasts a highly desirable and rare Gay Frères guilloché bracelet stamped GF and dated the fourth quarter of 1953, with the exquisite PP logo on the clasp that was later replaced by the Calatrava cross after 1958. Sold originally in 1955 with a leather strap, this timepiece is imbued with a delightful charm pairing with this stunning bracelet from the same period.
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.