Patek Philippe

• cal. 12-600AT nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, Gyromax balance, 30 jewels, micrometer regulator, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, engine-turned 18k gold signed rotor • enamel dial, applied pink gold bullet indexes, pink gold dauphine hands, subsidiary seconds • 18k pink gold circular case, chamfered bezel, downturned lugs, engraved inscription to the screw back • case, dial and movement signed by maker, case bearing retailer's stamp • with an 18k pink gold Patek Philippe bracelet bearing retailer's stamp

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The dial appears very clean and the indexes and hands do not appear to have aged much at all. The case bears very few signs of wear and has been lightly polished at some point. The inscription to the case back reads "Dr Benda, Recuerde siempre a su niña y a mi padres, Gracias, Maria Helena Navarro, *20.4.58, t17.11.59, Caracas, Venezuela." The watch is also accompanied by one additional link.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production with pink gold bracelet in 1954 and sale on June 15th of that year. 

Patek Philippe launched Ref. 2526, its first automatic model, in 1953 and ceased production in 1960.

According to our research, the present watch is one of approximately seventy examples in pink gold to appear at auction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present example is being offered at auction.

This model features the 12-600AT movement, an engineering marvel which made its debut at the 1953 Basel Fair. As the first automatic movement made by the firm, its debut was delayed until the Hans Wilsdorf's 1933 patent for a full-rotation self-winding movement expired.

At the time of its release, it was one of the most highly-jeweled calibers for a time-only watch produced by Patek Philippe, or indeed any firm.

In addition to the Ref. 2526, this calibre was featured on several models, including Refs. 2551, 2552, 2540 and 3415. For examples of these models, see the following six lots.

This calibre was later succeeded by the cal. 27-460AT, which is featured in lot 29. 

Cal. 12-600AT is illustrated in Huber, M., & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, p. 205.