Patek Philippe

• cal. 12'''120 manual winding damascened nickel lever movement stamped twice with the Geneva seal, 18 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance, swan neck regulator • pink dial, applied Arabic and dot numerals, apertures for day and month, subsidiary dial for date combined with constant seconds and moon-phases • snap back and setting pin • case, dial and movement signed, Extract from the Archives

Manual winding movement running and calendar functions are operating while cataloguing. The spectacular unrestored dial is in excellent original condition with the hard enamel signature nicely raised. With the original winding crown, the case retains its original proportions and seems to have been hardly used. Fresh to the market, it has survived in very good overall condition with well defined hallmarks. The Extract from the Archives confirms production of the watch in 18k rose gold with raised hour markers in gold.
"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."

With its spectacular unrestored dial, well defined case and original winding crown, the present lot is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of the Reference 1526. Production of this model started in 1941 and according to our research, only 210 examples were made by Patek Philippe and the majority were cased in yellow gold.
Less than ten Ref. 1526 watches with this rare combination of a pink gold case and pink dial have been seen in the market. This is the first time this stunning timepiece has appeared at auction.
A similar watch was sold at auction in Geneva, November 2007 for CHF 385'000. Reference 1526 is illustrated in Huber, M., Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, p. 282 & 283.