Patek Philippe
Reference 2526 | Retailed by Shreve Crump & Low: A yellow gold automatic wristwatch with first series enamel dial, Made in 1954
Lot Closed
March 31, 04:51 PM GMT
Estimate
15,000 - 30,000 USD
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
Dial: white enamel, first series
Caliber: cal. 12-600 automatic, 30 jewels
Movement number: 760’846
Case: 18k yellow gold, engraved screw down case back
Case number: 682’814
Size: 36 mm diameter
Signed: case and movement signed by maker, dial signed by maker and retailer
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture in 1954 and the date of sale on 25 October 1954
Patek Philippe introduced their first model featuring the legendary caliber 12'''600 AT self-winding movement, in 1953. The reference 2526 would become an international success and can be found in all precious metals with or without bracelets, and in various dial configurations. The present lot is cased in yellow gold and fitted with a first series white enamel dial, which is further enhanced by the famed Shreve Crump & Low signature, who was a Patek Philippe retailer based in Boston.
Enamel dials are, to this day, used sparingly because it is delicate, costly, and difficult to produce –however, Patek chose to use enamel on the reference 2526 for a different reason; it was meant to last forever since enamel dials are not susceptible to the oxidation and moisture damage that can harm the finish of metal dials. Additionally, the dial on the present lot is known as a first series dial, which is distinguishable by the small dimples in the enamel surface that can be seen underneath the top and bottom of each baton hour marker. These early dials have these dimples since the hour markers are actually set into the dial themselves using pins while all later dials have hour markers glued to the solid enamel surface.