PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 2526, A RARE FIRST SERIES PINK GOLD AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH ENAMEL DIAL RETAILED BY FRECERRO

CASE NUMBER: NO.686’708, MOVEMENT NO. 761’295

Details

CIRCA: 1954
CASE MATERIAL: 18k pink gold
DIAMETER: 36 mm.
STRAP MATERIAL: Brown nubuck leather strap
DIAL: White enamel dial with signature of Uruguayan retailer Frecerro
MOVEMENT: Cal. 12-600, automatic, 30 jewels
FUNCTIONS: Time only
BUCKLE: Patek Philippe 18k pink gold pin buckle
WITH: Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1954 and its subsequent sale on 29 September 1955, and presentation box


Lot Essay

Many consider the Patek Philippe Reference 2526 to be amongst the most elegant and distinguished vintage watches money can buy now. Introduced in 1952, it was Patek Philippe's first ever automatic watch starting with movement number 760'000.
First series dials, like the present example, are distinguished by the fact that the hour markers are not glued to the enamel, as seen with second series dials. Rather, the enamel presents flared holes which correspond to every numeral through which the feet of hour markers are positioned before being soldered to the back of the dial.
While guaranteeing maximum durability, this solution is extremely costly, as a high number of dials do not survive through the manufacturing process due to the many flared holes. This methodology was quickly abandoned in favour of a the simpler one. The exacting and difficult enamel manufacturing procedure is proof of the incredibly high quality standards Patek Philippe maintained for their production of the 2526.
The majority of Ref. 2526 was cased in yellow gold, a small series in pink gold and an exceedingly limited number in white gold and platinum. Mainly fitted with enamel dials with applied gold baton numerals, the white gold and platinum examples were also available with silvered metal dials with diamond indexes.
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