Patek Philippe Calatrava 2526

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

Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1955 Reference No: 2526 Movement No: 762’523 Case No: 691’225 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12-600, 30 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1955 and its subsequent date of sale on 17th May 1956. Condition Report Sign Up or Login Description View our Conditions of Sale . Manufacturer : Patek Philippe Year : 1955 Reference No : 2526 Movement No : 762’523 Case No : 691’225 Material : 18K yellow gold Calibre : Automatic, cal. 12-600, 30 jewels Bracelet/Strap : Leather Clasp/Buckle : 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions : 35mm diameter Signed : Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories : Delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1955 and its subsequent date of sale on 17th May 1956. Catalogue Essay Arguably one of the most timeless and elegant time-only reference ever created by Patek Philippe, it is impossible not to adore the reference 2526. Making its debut in 1953, it marks an important horological milestone as Patek Philippe’s first-ever serially produced automatic wristwatch. Its practical self-winding caliber is combined with an unbeatable classic design with the tastefully executed off-white enamel dial. Produced in all metals including yellow gold, pink gold, white gold and platinum, it is estimated that only approximately 2,500 examples were produced during its production span until 1960, and an estimated 2,350 examples were encased in yellow gold across all four series. This attractive yellow gold example is from the second series, featuring a domed screw-down case back, an exquisite enamel dial with laid indexes, period-correct smaller 6 o’clock index and the charming original forged “double P” crown. In equal measure to its appearance, the calibre 12-600 inside the watch is often considered one of the best automatic movements ever created. This is because Patek Philippe, like all other manufacturers, was not able to use a rotor to create an automatic movement until the Rolex patent expired. Patek Philippe focused on improving the mechanism for over two decades while they were patiently waiting for the Rolex patent to expire, and the finesse of the calibre 12-600 is the result of this great endeavour. Offered in great overall condition, and delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its year of manufacture in 1955, the present example is truly a splendid epitome of elegance, and a rare gem that should not be missed by the discerning connoisseur. Read More 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. View More Works Ref. 2526 A fine, elegant and rare yellow gold wristwatch with small seconds and enamel dial