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Lot Essay
Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1954 and its subsequent sale on 17 January 1955.
The present watch, including detail of its movement no. 760'903, is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition pp. 165 & 166, second edition pp. 213 & 214, together with its drawing made by David Penney.
The celebrated reference 2526 was the first self-winding wristwatch model ever made by Patek Philippe. Featuring the legendary caliber 12'''600 it is a classic for the enthusiastic watch collector.
Ref. 2526 is usually fitted with an enamel dial with applied gold baton numerals. Very few examples are known with different numerals, such as diamond indexes, more commonly on white metal watches, or Breguet numerals, such as the present watch.
Research shows that no more than a handful reference 2526 watches were fitted with applied Breguet numerals. Another example of this legendary model with such dial was part of Andy Warhol's watch collection. It seems though that the present watch was the first reference 2526 made with this exotic and desirable dial.
The combination of the dial's rarity, the overall condition of the watch, its presence in numerous books about Patek Philippe and articles published about this model render this example the possibly most famous reference 2526.
David Penney
Mr. David Penney, a renowned illustrator specialized in the History of Technology, especially Horology, is working for watch manufactures such as Patek Philippe, Omega, George Daniels but also for the British Museum, the National Maritime Museum and the Time Museum, Rockford, just to mention some.
The present watch, including detail of its movement no. 760'903, is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, first edition pp. 165 & 166, second edition pp. 213 & 214, together with its drawing made by David Penney.
The celebrated reference 2526 was the first self-winding wristwatch model ever made by Patek Philippe. Featuring the legendary caliber 12'''600 it is a classic for the enthusiastic watch collector.
Ref. 2526 is usually fitted with an enamel dial with applied gold baton numerals. Very few examples are known with different numerals, such as diamond indexes, more commonly on white metal watches, or Breguet numerals, such as the present watch.
Research shows that no more than a handful reference 2526 watches were fitted with applied Breguet numerals. Another example of this legendary model with such dial was part of Andy Warhol's watch collection. It seems though that the present watch was the first reference 2526 made with this exotic and desirable dial.
The combination of the dial's rarity, the overall condition of the watch, its presence in numerous books about Patek Philippe and articles published about this model render this example the possibly most famous reference 2526.
David Penney
Mr. David Penney, a renowned illustrator specialized in the History of Technology, especially Horology, is working for watch manufactures such as Patek Philippe, Omega, George Daniels but also for the British Museum, the National Maritime Museum and the Time Museum, Rockford, just to mention some.