Patek Philippe

• cal. 12'''' manual winding nickel lever movement, 18 jewels, bi-metallic balance • silvered dial, applied gold Arabic numerals and dot indexes, twin apertures for day and month, subsidiary seconds combined with moon phases and date • 18k yellow gold case, concave bezel, solid snap on case back • case, dial, and movement signed

Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Setting system needs repair. Winding is ok. Case is in very good condition with slight scratches to the case band and the lugs. Case back has a slight protruding dent to the center. Very slight wear to the edges, hallmark to the case band is slightly rubbed, hallmark is extremely crisp to underside of the top left lug. Dial is in original very good condition with one spot and slight scratch to the top left of the moonphase. Enamel to the moonphase is in excellent condition. Interior case back has some watchmaker's marks, movement is in good condition with slight scratches. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on 19 January 1951.

Reference 1526 was manufactured from 1941 until 1952 and together with Reference 1518 was the first perpetual calendar wristwatch produced in series by any company.

According to research approximately 210 pieces were made over twelve years of production. 

For more information about Ref. 1526, please see Huber, M. & Banbery, A. Patek Philippe Genève, 1988, pp. 215 & 226.