Patek Philippe

• cal. 12-600 automatic lever movement, 30 jewels, adjusted to 5 positions, Gyromax balance, 18k yellow gold rotor • enamel dial, applied baton indexes, subsidiary seconds, outer pearled minute track • 18k yellow gold polished case, PP crown, screw-down back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold buckle

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be required. The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Dial in good condition, very fine hairline above centre toward the 3. Case with few scuffs and some small scratches, consistent with use and age, has been polished, Swiss hallmark on lug still visible, 18k on case back rubbed.
"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."

The movement in this timepiece is part of the first 500 pieces with calibre 12-600AT which did not yet have the ball-bearing feature on the winding rotor.

The Ref. 2526, first manufactured in 1953, was the first self-winding wristwatch made by Patek Philippe. With its production ceased in 1960, it has become an iconic piece among collectors in today's market due to the classic and handsome appearance of the enamel dial.

Produced in yellow, pink and white gold, as well as platinum, the greatest majority of these timepieces are in yellow gold. The first series can be identified by the off-white enamel dial and the flared index settings and the large index at 6.

This model features the 12-600AT movement, an engineering marvel which made its debut at the 1953 Basel Fair. As the first automatic movement made by the firm, its debut was delayed until the Hans Wilsdorf's 1933 patent for a full-rotation self-winding movement expired. At the time of its release, it was one of the most highly-jewelled calibres for a time-only watch produced by Patek Philippe, or indeed any firm.

For further discussion of the launch of Ref. 2526, see Reardon, J. Patek Philippe in America, p. 154. 

Examples of Ref. 2526 are illustrated in 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.