Patek Philippe. A fine and rare 18K gold automatic wristwatch with enamel dial

With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch with enamel dial and raised gold numerals in 1960 and its subsequent sale on 6 April 1960. Furthermore delivered with a Patek Philippe presentation box and outer packaging.

Consigned by a private collector this watch is fresh to the market and furthermore preserved in very good, original overall condition. Dating from 1960, it is one of the last references 2526 leaving the factory.
A landmark model for Patek Philippe, reference 2526 is the first automatic wristwatch made by the company, introduced in 1953. Its movement is widely regarded as the "best-of-its-class": its large rotor is capable of quickly accumulating large reserves of energy; the gear layout is designed in such a way that allows for particularly large components, thus achieving a reliability well comparable with modern timepieces. From an aesthetic standpoint, the clean lines of the Calatrava-style case and minimalist dial make this timepiece an everlasting classic.

The present timepiece is distinguished by its first series dial. Dials for 2526 went through a simplification process over the years. At the very beginning, we find enamel dials with flared holes for the numerals, like the one mounted on the present timepiece. Such construction methodology is enormously complex, requiring 26 holes for the numerals (2 holes for each numeral, 4 holes for the double numeral at 12), plus two holes for the hands and subsidiary seconds. Given the highly complicated construction methodology, soon a new series was launched: the dial is still enamel, but with only two flared holes for the hands and the subsidiary seconds. The indexes are instead secured with glue. Finally, the last evolution presents metal dials.