Patek Philippe

• cal 12-600 AT automatic movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 30 jewels • black enamel dial, applied yellow gold bullet indexes • PP crown, inscription to screw-down case back • case, dial and movement signed • Extract from the Archives confirming sale 21 June 1957, additional 1970s Patek Philippe silvered dial

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require service soon. The dial is very attractive and clean and shows no visible hairlines under magnification. The case shows some light scuffs throughout and evidence of the bracelet fitting to the back of the lugs. The upper left lug is wearing thin and there is a very slight indentation to the case back which is only visible from the reflection of the light. The Extract from the Archives says 'Not mentioned' with regard to the dial. It also lists that the watch originated with a yellow gold bracelet. The watch is further accompanied by an additional silvered Patek Philippe dial, circa 1970, which is not enamel.
"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."

For a note on Ref. 2526, see lot 184.

The present lot features an extremely rare black enamel dial. Although the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archive states the dial color of the present watch is 'not mentioned' in the archives, it is likely that that this dial was placed on the watch by special request in the 1950s. While the great majority of Ref. 2526s featured off-white enamel dials, a select few customers specially requested black enamel dials from Patek Philippe for their watches. In 1956, the Ref. 2526 retailed for $800. At that level, Patek Philippe regularly entertained requests for special dials.