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Lot Essay
Fresh to the market, the present timepiece is an extremely attractive pink gold example of the reference 2526 from the first series with enamel dial and original Gay Frères bracelet, all confirmed by the Extract from the Archives - the Extract confirms that the present watch was sold with a rose gold bracelet in 1958, matching the punched "55" for 1955 on the clasp.
Furthermore, the watch features a first-series dial - First-series dials are characterized by the small dimples that are found at each hour marker. The construction consisted of attaching the hour markers to the dials by setting them with pins. Patek Philippe stopped this practice relatively early in production as many dials were broken in the process. From that point onwards, most 2526 enamel dials had the hour markers glued to the dial. Consequently, reference 2526 with the first-series dials are highly desirable and sought after by collectors.
Reference 2526
A paragon of understatement and timeless class combined with a state-of-the art movement, reference 2526 has significantly influenced the popularity of wristwatches featuring enamel dials. In 1960, it was replaced by reference 3428, equipped with the second generation self-winding movement, calibre 27-460.
The reference can be divided in three distinct series:
- First series: domed case back, enamel dial and riveted indexes. The dial presents flared holes under each index in order to allow for their setting.
- Second series: domed case back, enamel dials with the numerals glued to the surface. The dial presents only two flared holes for the hands.
- Third series: flat case back, same dial as on second series and in later examples metal dial.
- Fourth series: same as third series, but with new calibre 27-460
Reference 2526 is illustrated in: Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe - Volume II, pp. 244-245.
Reference 2526 is illustrated in: Blue Book 2, 2019 edition, pp. 56-143
Furthermore, the watch features a first-series dial - First-series dials are characterized by the small dimples that are found at each hour marker. The construction consisted of attaching the hour markers to the dials by setting them with pins. Patek Philippe stopped this practice relatively early in production as many dials were broken in the process. From that point onwards, most 2526 enamel dials had the hour markers glued to the dial. Consequently, reference 2526 with the first-series dials are highly desirable and sought after by collectors.
Reference 2526
A paragon of understatement and timeless class combined with a state-of-the art movement, reference 2526 has significantly influenced the popularity of wristwatches featuring enamel dials. In 1960, it was replaced by reference 3428, equipped with the second generation self-winding movement, calibre 27-460.
The reference can be divided in three distinct series:
- First series: domed case back, enamel dial and riveted indexes. The dial presents flared holes under each index in order to allow for their setting.
- Second series: domed case back, enamel dials with the numerals glued to the surface. The dial presents only two flared holes for the hands.
- Third series: flat case back, same dial as on second series and in later examples metal dial.
- Fourth series: same as third series, but with new calibre 27-460
Reference 2526 is illustrated in: Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe - Volume II, pp. 244-245.
Reference 2526 is illustrated in: Blue Book 2, 2019 edition, pp. 56-143