88 Patek Philippe A rare and attractive, perpetual calendar, moon phases wristwatch in yellow gold, with yellow gold C+B bracelet.

Estimate: € 120,000 –⁠ 240,000

Patek Philippe’s visionary reference 1526 represents a defining moment in horological history, marking the dawn of the serially produced perpetual calendar wristwatch. Introduced in 1941 and produced until 1952, this pioneering model redefined the landscape of haute horlogerie, establishing an enduring legacy that would influence generations of perpetual calendar timepieces. A testament to Patek Philippe’s relentless pursuit of technical mastery and elegant design, the reference 1526 laid the foundation for the manufacture’s future complications, setting a standard that continues to captivate collectors and connoisseurs. Beneath the elegant restraint of its case and dial lies a marvel of mechanical ingenuity, an intricate movement that autonomously tracks the varying lengths of each month and seamlessly adjusts for leap years. This extraordinary feat of watchmaking is housed within a design of effortless sophistication, a hallmark of Patek Philippe’s approach to haute horlogerie. Produced for just a decade, reference 1526 remains an elusive treasure, with only 210 examples known to exist. The majority were crafted in yellow gold, like the present example, while a select few emerged in the even rarer pink gold configuration. The dial, featuring Arabic numerals, retains its original hard enamel printing. Well preserved, with excellent proportions and strong hallmarks, the present Patek Philippe reference 1526 is further paired with a charming yellow-gold mesh bracelet engraved with the initials “C+B,” a mark of its origin from Corbett & Bertolone, a celebrated New York supplier known for crafting bracelets for elite brands such as Tiffany and Cartier.