Patek Philippe 2526

More about 2526

This is a rare, 1956 Patek Philippe masterpiece, and a hallmark in the middle of the 20th century. This is Patek Philippe's first self-winding wristwatch (Reference 2526). Introduced in 1952, it ushered in the era of the automatic and it's considered to be the finest time-only (no complications) wristwatch of that period. As a gentleman's watch it was wildly popular for years until it was discontinued in 1960, remaining timeless and the direct inspiration for many newer Patek models. This 18K yellow gold case is incredibly durable at only 7mm, with a water resistant, screw-down back. It has a two-piece polished body, and an off-white porcelain enamel face with applied yellow gold faceted baton indexes and dauphine hands; there is an auxiliary seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock. In the 1950's most watches had metallic faces, and the fine porcelain dial that looked like ivory on this watch made it invitingly warm. It's only 11mm thick, stamped with the Seal of Geneva, with the movement, case, and dial signed. The Caliber 12-600 movement has 30 jewels, a rhodium plated straight-line lever escapement, with a Gyromax balance adjusted for cold, heat, isochronism and five positions. There is a shock absorber, an 18K gold rotor, bi-directional winding, a self-compensating Breguet free-sprung balance spring, and a swan-neck micrometer regulator. It was only produced in 580 pieces with many made in yellow gold, a small series in pink gold, and only a few examples in white gold or platinum. The movement, case, and dial are signed. There is also the double "P" logo on the crown, replacing the famous Patek Calatrava crest. This is the first and still one of the very finest automatic wristwatches ever made.

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