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Lot Essay
The present timepiece is distinguished by its first series dial, finely preserved with no cracks or hairlines whatsoever, and a movement that was recently cleaned and overhauled by Patek Philippe in 2015.
Dials for 2526 went through a simplification process over the years. At the very beginning, we find enamel dials with flared holes for the numerals, like the one mounted on the present timepiece. Such construction methodology is enormously complex, requiring 26 holes for the numerals (2 holes for each numeral, 4 holes for the double numeral at 12), plus two holes for the hands and subsidiary seconds. Given the highly complicated construction methodology, soon a new series was launched: the dial is still enamel, but with only two flared holes for the hands and the subsidiary seconds. The indexes are instead secured with glue. Finally, the last evolution presents metal dials.
A landmark model for Patek Philippe, reference 2526 is the first automatic wristwatch made by the company, introduced in 1953. Its 12-600 caliber is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful movements ever made. Its large 18k rotor is capable of quickly accumulating large reserves of energy and thus achieving a reliability well comparable with modern timepieces. From an aesthetic standpoint, the clean lines of the Calatrava-style case and minimalist enamel dial make this timepiece an everlasting classic.
Dials for 2526 went through a simplification process over the years. At the very beginning, we find enamel dials with flared holes for the numerals, like the one mounted on the present timepiece. Such construction methodology is enormously complex, requiring 26 holes for the numerals (2 holes for each numeral, 4 holes for the double numeral at 12), plus two holes for the hands and subsidiary seconds. Given the highly complicated construction methodology, soon a new series was launched: the dial is still enamel, but with only two flared holes for the hands and the subsidiary seconds. The indexes are instead secured with glue. Finally, the last evolution presents metal dials.
A landmark model for Patek Philippe, reference 2526 is the first automatic wristwatch made by the company, introduced in 1953. Its 12-600 caliber is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful movements ever made. Its large 18k rotor is capable of quickly accumulating large reserves of energy and thus achieving a reliability well comparable with modern timepieces. From an aesthetic standpoint, the clean lines of the Calatrava-style case and minimalist enamel dial make this timepiece an everlasting classic.