Patek Philippe

Reference 1526 | A yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, Circa 1944

Session begins in

September 18, 07:00 AM GMT

Estimate

800,000 - 2,000,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Patek Philippe

Reference 1526

A yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, Circa 1944

Dial: silvered

Calibre: cal. 12-120 Q mechanical, 18 jewels

Movement number: 925'291

Case: 18k yellow gold, snap on case back

Case number: 636'844

Closure: black Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k yellow gold buckle

Size: 34 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: none

The Reference 1526 was the brand’s first perpetual calendar wristwatch to be produced as a regular series model. Introduced in 1941 and remaining in production until 1952, it marked a significant milestone in the manufacture’s history. Only around 210 examples were made according to literature, with most cased in yellow gold, a small number in pink gold, and just a single known example produced in stainless steel. The cases were made by the legendary Emile Vichet, with the Geneva case maker key number 9 engraved in the inner case back, who also made cases for the iconic Reference 1518.

Collectors can distinguish different generations of the reference by examining the design of the subsidiary seconds and date register at 6 o’clock. First series are 1 mm larger in case diameter and the dial usually came out silvered with the double rail ("chemin de fer") around the subsidiary dials. The second series, the present example, is 34 mm in diameter and the shape is slightly thinner. The date is now outside the seconds around the subsidiary dial. Third series were made 1948 onwards hence bears the short signature dial, with inside seconds being thinner.

Today, the Reference 1526 is regarded as one of the most collectible and historically significant vintage Patek Philippe perpetual calendar wristwatches, prized by collectors for its rarity, elegant design, and status as the manufacture’s first serially produced perpetual calendar.

百達翡麗型號1526

黃金萬年曆腕錶，備月相顯示，約1944年製

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"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."