The Patek Philippe reference 2526 is a remarkable timepiece on many accounts. Aesthetically, it features a large 36mm Calatrava-style case with domed screw back with superb wrist presence but equally high elegance. The true wow-factor of this example however, is its enamel dial with gold printing.

The daunting creation process (it is said that for first series dials, 9 out of 10 pieces had to be discarded during production) commanded a simplification of the dial construction: early watches such as the present one - first series - feature dial with flared holes for each numeral. Second series enamel dials present instead no such detail, the indexes being glued to the surface of the enamel. Third series dials are simply made of metal, the enamel construction completely abandoned. Obviously, the intrinsic rarity and beauty of enamel dials - especially first series - render these timepieces highly collectible.
2526 is also well-known for having been fitted with bracelets from master maker Gay Frères, considered the best bracelet maker of the past century. Such is the case of the present watch: not only the Extract confirms the presence of the bracelet, but the stamping to the clasp “2 56” indicates it was made in the second trimester of 1956, perfectly matching the June 15, 1956 sale date of the wristwatch.

Mechanically, ref. 2526 is as impressive as it is aesthetically, mounting the first automatic movement created by Patek Philippe (cal. 12-600 AT), which was the result of decades of R&D and it is considered to this day one of the most technically advanced and most superbly finished automatic movements ever made by any brand.

Made between 1953 and 1960, the reference 2526 remains one of Patek Philippe’s greatest achievements, obtaining the perfect balance between design (the case), craftsmanship (the dial) and mechanics (the movement).

The present first series example with bracelet is without a doubt an unmissable “must-own” for the collector of superb Patek Philippe timepieces.