- 992
Patek Philippe
Description
- Patek Philippe
- RETAILED BY SERPICO Y LAINO, CARACAS: A FINE AND VERY RARE WHITE GOLD AND DIAMOND SET AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH BRACELET
REF 2526 MVT 763379 CASE 694838 MADE IN 1956 - diamond, white gold
- diameter 35 mm
Catalogue Note
Purchased at the illustrious and fabled Serpico y Laino boutique in Caracas in the late 1950s, the present lot figures among the rarest of vintage watches. The reference 2526 is one of the most important models in Patek Philippe's history, having been introduced in 1953 as the firm's first self-winding watch featuring the 12-600 AT movement.
According to our research, this offering represents the first time a white gold example of Ref. 2526 with the Serpico y Laino retailer's mark. This distinction does not take into account the numerous additional factors of note for the present lot, each of which, alone, would be noteworthy: the fact that white gold examples are the rarest of all Ref. 2526 watches to appear at auction, even more so than platinum examples; the sumptuously flexible Extract-confirmed, triple-signed Gay Frères, Patek Philippe and Serpico Y Laino bracelet.
Any student of vintage Patek Philippe would hope for a 'standard' Ref. 2526 to complete an essential part of their collection. The present lot, with its innumerable points of interest and fascination, would transform a collection into a veritable museum.
Production of the Ref. 2526 ceased in 1960.
Sotheby's is pleased to offer the present lot for the first time at auction on behalf of the family of the original owner.