Lot Essay
This endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. The watch will be supplied with a calf leather strap.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Eric Clapton CBE, the English rock and blues guitarist, singer, songwriter and one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time, assembled one of the most impressive and important collections of wristwatches anywhere in the world. The collection included many of the great classic models of Patek Philippe and some unique examples among them. Today, it is always an exciting event for collectors whenever one of the watches once owned by Eric Clapton appears back to the market. The present reference 1526 perpetual calendar is one such legendary timepiece. Not seen in public for almost 20 years, the present owner bought this superb vintage Patek Philippe at the auction of Eric Clapton’s important watches at Christie’s New York and has since treasured it as a prize possession and has maintained it in the same condition as it was when worn by Eric Clapton.
Apart from its stellar provenance, this reference 1526 is a very honest example distinguished by its extremely attractive overall condition. During a servicing most likely in the workshops of Patek Philippe and certainly over 20 years ago, the 3rd Series, ‘Mark 1’ dial has been professionally cleaned, now displaying a great shine, signatures and scales still nicely raised. The case retains full proportions and has not been subject to careless polishing, with both hallmarks still quite crisp and clearly visible.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, Eric Clapton CBE, the English rock and blues guitarist, singer, songwriter and one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time, assembled one of the most impressive and important collections of wristwatches anywhere in the world. The collection included many of the great classic models of Patek Philippe and some unique examples among them. Today, it is always an exciting event for collectors whenever one of the watches once owned by Eric Clapton appears back to the market. The present reference 1526 perpetual calendar is one such legendary timepiece. Not seen in public for almost 20 years, the present owner bought this superb vintage Patek Philippe at the auction of Eric Clapton’s important watches at Christie’s New York and has since treasured it as a prize possession and has maintained it in the same condition as it was when worn by Eric Clapton.
Apart from its stellar provenance, this reference 1526 is a very honest example distinguished by its extremely attractive overall condition. During a servicing most likely in the workshops of Patek Philippe and certainly over 20 years ago, the 3rd Series, ‘Mark 1’ dial has been professionally cleaned, now displaying a great shine, signatures and scales still nicely raised. The case retains full proportions and has not been subject to careless polishing, with both hallmarks still quite crisp and clearly visible.