Patek Philippe

cal.12-120 damascened nickel lever movement, 18 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, precision regulator • silvered dial, applied gold Arabic and dot numerals, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dial for seconds combined with phases of the moon • 18k pink gold case, concave bezel, downturned lugs, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k pink gold Patek Philippe buckle

The movement is running, all functions appear fully operational while cataloguing. The dial is attractive and has been gently cleaned in the past, tracks and signature remain very clear. The unusual conical dot markers are possibly later added and may replace smaller dot numerals. Case polished but hallmarks still clearly visible. The 1526 is very rare in pink gold and notable for being, together with the 1518, the first perpetual calendar wristwatch made in series by Patek Philippe.
"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 manufacture in 1945 and sale on April 28th, 1947.

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, just 210 pieces were made over 12 years. The majority of examples were made in yellow gold, totalling approximately 165 pieces. Only circa 45 pieces were made in pink gold. It is particularly rare to find examples of the reference with a pink gilt dial such as that on the present lot. Interestingly, as the watch was manufactured for such a short period of time, the average production run of the reference was just 18 pieces a year. This is an extraordinarily small number when one considers that there were, in the 1940s, some 120 or more agents for Patek Philippe worldwide. The limited production of the model demonstrates further the exceptional rarity of the present example with its very attractive pink dial.

For examples of this watch, please see Huber, M., & Banbery, A. Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, pp.282-283.