Patek Philippe

• cal. 12-600 automatic movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 30 jewels, mono-metallic Gyromax balance, 22k yellow gold micro-rotor • gilt dial, applied diamond indexes, subsidiary seconds • 18k yellow gold case, stepped bezel, turned down lugs, screw down solid case back, PP crown • case, dial, and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Case in good condition with signs of polish with slight loss of definition. Slight scratches to the case back, wear to the inside of the lugs, small nicks to the underside of the lugs. Dial in good condition with patina to the edges and spotting to 6, 8, and 11. Small scratches to the dial at 8 and 9. Slight scratches to the hands and tip of hour hand is no longer pointed. Some scratches to the inside case back. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information.
"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 diamond-set hour markers date of sale on 28 November 1957.

The present example is a Ref. 2526J 'HB,' or heures brilliantes.  According to our research, this piece is the only example known to have a gilt dial, and one of three Ref. 2526 made with diamond indexes to appear at auction. It is also notable that the settings for the diamond indexes as well as the hands are made from white gold. For a note on Ref. 2526, see the previous lot.