Patek Philippe

• cal. 12-600AT automatic nickel lever movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 30 jewels, Gyromax balance, 18k yellow gold engine turned rotor • silvered dial, applied white gold faceted baton and diamond set indexes at the quarters, Dauphine hands, subsidiary seconds, outer dot minute divisions • 18k white gold case, solid screw down case back • movement signed by maker, dial and case signed by maker and retailer • with an 18k white gold brick-form bracelet signed by maker and retailer

The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Case in overall very good vintage condition with wear, light surface markings and scuffs consistent with use and age. Bracelet and clasp with equivalent wear. Case may benefit from cleaning. Dial in overall good vintage condition with wear, surface markings, small dots of oxidation under close inspection, and very light debris. Movement in very good condition. The total diamond weight is approximately 0.06 cts.
"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."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture in 1956, and sale on April 10th, 1957, with silvered dial and diamond hour markers, as well as white gold bracelet. 

Purchased at the illustrious and fabled Serpico y Laino boutique in Caracas in the late 1950s, the present lot figures among the rarest of vintage watches. The reference 2526 is one of the most important models in Patek Philippe's history, having been introduced in 1953 as the firm's first self-winding watch featuring the 12-600 AT movement.

According to our research, this offering represents the first time a white gold example of Ref. 2526 with the Serpico y Laino retailer's mark. This distinction does not take into account the numerous additional factors of note for the present lot, each of which, alone, would be noteworthy: the fact that white gold examples are the rarest of all Ref. 2526 watches to appear at auction, even more so than platinum examples; the sumptuously flexible Extract-confirmed, triple-signed Gay Frères, Patek Philippe and Serpico Y Laino bracelet.

Any student of vintage Patek Philippe would hope for a 'standard' Ref. 2526 to complete an essential part of their collection. The present lot, with its innumerable points of interest and fascination, would transform a collection into a veritable museum.  

Production of the Ref. 2526 ceased in 1960. 

Sotheby's is pleased to offer the present lot for the first time at auction on behalf of the family of the original owner.