| Details | ||
| Stock # | SKU21640 | |
| Stock # | 21640 | |
| Model Name | Calatrava | |
| Brand | Patek Philippe | |
| Model Ref # | 2526 | |
| Condition | Mint+ | |
| Gender | Mens | |
| Movement | Automatic | |
| Case | Platinum | |
| Case Shape | Round | |
| Case Size | 36mm | |
| Crystal | Acrylic | |
| Band / Strap | Strap | |
| Dial | Silver | |
| Caseback | Solid | |
| Complications |
Subsidiary Seconds |
|
| Year | ca 1954 | |
| Additional Information | ||
| Sold | ||
Description
The Patek Philippe reference 2526 is an important wristwatch because it is Patek's first automatic watch. This particular 2526 is an early, second series all original example, which was made in 1954-1955. Scholarship suggests that Patek produced approximately 24 reference 2526s in platinum, making this watch a rare and important wristwatch. In fact, a 2526 is the center piece of many vintage Patek Philippe collections.
Case is platinum with dimensions of 36mm diameter by 12.6mm thick. In addition to bearing Patek’s first automatic movement, the 2526 is also noteworthy for its massive screw back case, which marked Patek’s first attempt at eliminating dirt and water intrusion into the case. The case back on this watch is domed, which distinguishes it from the flat screw back case backs on later production 2526s. The platinum crown on this watch is original and bears the back to back ‘P’s, which I personally love. Case back has factory engraving “PLATINUM 10% IRID”.
Original dial is silvered with factory diamond hour markers and dauphine hands and subsidiary seconds dial. The dial is in outstanding, untouched and original condition. There is ever so slight a champagne patina developing, which makes this already superb watch even better.
Patek waited patiently, while its competitors brought automatic winding movements to market. Patek was not in a race for time, it aspired to make the best automatic winding movement possible. Of course, Patek succeeded, and the result is the Caliber 12 - 600 AT with 30 jewels, Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, and isochronism and 5 positions, free-sprung Breguet balance and stamped with the Geneva Seal. The 18k winding rotor is nicely decorated (see picture below). Movement is immaculate and running strongly. Inside case back shows a service history.
This is an outstanding watch and given its historical attributes (first automatic Patek and first really water and dirt resistant case) and low production, it is outstandingly collectable.
Case is platinum with dimensions of 36mm diameter by 12.6mm thick. In addition to bearing Patek’s first automatic movement, the 2526 is also noteworthy for its massive screw back case, which marked Patek’s first attempt at eliminating dirt and water intrusion into the case. The case back on this watch is domed, which distinguishes it from the flat screw back case backs on later production 2526s. The platinum crown on this watch is original and bears the back to back ‘P’s, which I personally love. Case back has factory engraving “PLATINUM 10% IRID”.
Original dial is silvered with factory diamond hour markers and dauphine hands and subsidiary seconds dial. The dial is in outstanding, untouched and original condition. There is ever so slight a champagne patina developing, which makes this already superb watch even better.
Patek waited patiently, while its competitors brought automatic winding movements to market. Patek was not in a race for time, it aspired to make the best automatic winding movement possible. Of course, Patek succeeded, and the result is the Caliber 12 - 600 AT with 30 jewels, Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, and isochronism and 5 positions, free-sprung Breguet balance and stamped with the Geneva Seal. The 18k winding rotor is nicely decorated (see picture below). Movement is immaculate and running strongly. Inside case back shows a service history.
This is an outstanding watch and given its historical attributes (first automatic Patek and first really water and dirt resistant case) and low production, it is outstandingly collectable.
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