PATEK PHILIPPE | A YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASESREF 1526 CASE 659430 MVT 964563 MADE IN 1949

Movement: cal. 12'120 manual winding jewelled lever Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on back Dial: silvered, applied Arabic numerals and dot indexes Bracelet/Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle Diameter: 34mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on May 9th, 1951 and additional crystal

DIAL: with spots throughout, date rings aged. The inner circle of the date discreetly restored in the past.Hands with minor scuffs. CASE: scuffs and scratches throughout to all metal surfaces, deeper scratch between the lugs to the moon-phase pusher. The case back with scuffed to outer edge. Gold plated crown. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing. Calendar functions also advancing. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

The 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 literature, approximately 210 pieces were made over the twelve years of production. A highly collectible piece, the 1526 is considered by many as one of the most elegant and understated pieces ever produced. The timeless size of its Calatrava-style case and the minimalist layout of its dial makes it a masterpiece of design.
Each element was made to the highest quality, such as the hand engraved and hard enamel dial with gold moon-phase by Stern Frères, the case by Vichet or the Victorin Piguet based movement. 

The present lot belongs to the second series of the 1526, recognisable thanks to the discreet subsidiary seconds indexes between the date and the moon-phase, enhancing the delicate appearance of the dial.