266 Patek Philippe Fresh to The market, Extremely Rare and Well Preserved, Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, Big Arabic Applied Numerals, Reference 1526, With Box, Certificate of Origin, Picture, Additional Glass, Copy of Invoice and Dossier

Estimate: € 400,000 –⁠ 800,000

Sold € 793,000

Model: Perpetual Calendar Moon Phase
Reference: 1526
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1942
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 12-120
Case N°: 628743
Movement N°: 921619
Dimensions: 34 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Box, Certificate of Origin, Historic Picture, Additional Glass, Copy of Original Invoice, Extract from the Archives, Dossier and and Mr. Tortella and sons "deep-study" documentation

Patek Philippe's Reference 1526 is a monumental creation in the history of watchmaking, renowned for its widespread acclaim and significance within the horological community. Introduced in 1940, this reference heralded a significant breakthrough as the first serially produced wristwatch equipped with a perpetual calendar complication, underscoring Patek Philippe's technical ingenuity and their dedication to advancing the art of watchmaking. Produced until 1952, this iconic model was predominantly crafted in yellow gold, with a few exceptional pieces in rose gold and a single known example in steel. The Reference 1526 epitomizes elegance, combining a Calatrava-style case with a pioneering minimalist dial that beautifully marries aesthetics with functionality. The watch in question is arguably one of the most significant to emerge on the market in recent times, distinguished by exceptional features and truly remarkable accessories. It boasts a splendid 34 mm case in exceptionally well-preserved yellow gold, displaying signs of beginning oxidation that attest to the extraordinary care it has received from its previous owner. Its pronounced, thick lugs and slender bezel amplify its presence on the wrist, while the dial, in impeccable condition, offers a serene and refined counterpoint to the yellow-gold case. One of the standout features of this watch is the "big" numerals adorning the dial. These numerals are noticeably larger than those typically seen, with very few pieces made featuring such sizable Arabic numeral configurations—likely only two observed. This distinctive marker style, found only on the Reference 1518 or 1526 like this lot, was produced for a brief period before Patek Philippe opted for smaller sizes. The dial layouts of the 1526 and 1518 are almost identical, yet the numerals on the 1526's case are more pronounced, emphasizing the dial's significance even further. Finding such a model in this pristine condition is exceedingly rare, especially accompanied by a complete set that includes the original box, certificate of origin, historic photograph, an additional glass, an exceptionally rare copy of the original invoice, and comprehensive documentation by Mr. Tortella and sons. The significant numerals on the dial, along with the extensive set and the remarkable condition, elevate this timepiece's rarity and exceptional status. The detailed history and documentation provided with this watch make it a true collector's dream, with each element of the ensemble adding to the narrative of a timepiece that transcends mere timekeeping to become a sought-after treasure for those who value horological excellence and the unique stories behind each watch. This Patek Philippe Reference 1526 stands as one of the most exquisite examples ever to grace watch auctions, if not the most beautiful.