The Patek Philippe reference 2526 is one of the most collectible Patek Philippe wristwatches. But why? The main attraction of the watch is the enamel dial. On pocket watches from the 1800s to early 1900s, enamel dials were the standard, as wages were lower. But since the production of enamel dials require both time and an immense amount of skill, less costly and more robust printed dials became the norm during the 20th century. Secondly, the ref. 2526 features the first serially produced Patek Philippe movement with automatic winding – this being the calibre 12–600AT. This was a momentous achievement and the first in a line of many self-winding in-house movement. That being said, the calibre 12–600AT, with its beautifully engine-turned winding rotor, is one of the best looking of them all. Lastly, the case measures a boasting 36 mm, whereas its counterparts from the 1950–60s usually measured a few millimetres smaller. This means that the watch is much more wearable today.

What makes this example even more special is, that it has a movement number just 180 numbers after the very first reference 2526. Important to bear in mind is, that the movement numbers are not just for this reference number but for all of Patek Philippe’s production. Hence, this example is one of the earliest ever made. This is supported by the Extract from the Archives from Patek Philippe, confirming the year of production and sale to 1953. Moreover, it has the earliest iteration of the dial, where the indexes are not glued onto the enamel, but rather riveted onto it. The dial is furthermore in immaculate condition.

The caseback bears a personal engraving, leading to the history of the original owner. The watch was given after 25 years of faithful service in a larger Danish company. The watch comes directly from the family of the original owner of the watch.

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives from Patek Philippe confirming the year of production and sale to 1953.