Patek Philippe

• cal. 12'''-600 AT automatic winding movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 30 jewels, mono-metallic balance, 22k yellow gold rotor • off-white enamel dial, applied large baton indexes, feuille hands, subsidiary seconds • 18k pink gold case, downturned lugs, PP crown, screw-down case back • case, dial, and movement signed • with 18k pink gold Patek Philippe bracelet

Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Dial in good condition. There is a small scuff on the crystal at 7 o'clock. Case and bracelet in good condition except for some minor scuffs due to every day wear. The bracelet has had alterations to create an alternating texture which may have been done at the request of the original owner, but is otherwise an original example made 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."

With an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on 16 May 1954.

Patek Philippe launched Ref. 2526, its first automatic model, in 1953 and ceased production in 1960. It has become an iconic piece among today's collectors due to its relatively large size and the handsome appearance of the enamel dial.

The present lot is of particular note as it belongs to the first series from the production of Ref. 2526, and indeed was made in 1953, the first year the model was produced. Examples in pink gold, such as the present lot, represented approximately one eighth of production for the entire series. According to our research, only six other examples in pink gold from this first series of Ref. 2526 have come to the market.

The highly unusual pink gold link bracelet further enhances the appeal of this lot. Composed of alternating polished and textured links, it was featured in period Patek Philippe advertisements for the model. It is stamped 'PG' for Ponti Gennari, a master jeweler in Geneva. Bracelets by Ponti Gennari are very rare and of extremely high quality. Interestingly, the Patek Philippe Museum is now housed in the former Ponti Gennari factory building.

For further discussion of the launch of Ref. 2526, see Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe, Vol. II, Second Edition, pp. 213 and 216-7. Cal. 12-600 is illustrated on p. 214 of the same text.