Lot #4958
PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA 2526R Arabic Enamel Dial with Bracelet 18k RG retailed by Serpico Y Laino
How do I bid? Start here
Introduction
Released in 1932 and named after the cross that the Calatrava Knights paraded around Spain and Portugal during the 12th and 13th centuries, the Patek Philippe Calatrava was released as a simple timepiece with broad appeal that would help secure Patek Philippe's finances following Jean and Charles Henri Stern's investment in the brand in the same year. Designed with a strict Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic in mind, the Calatrava used, and continues to use, simplicity as its means of establishing intrigue around the craftsmanship required to construct such a stunning timepiece. Without a complicated movement or a busy design, collectors gravitate towards the Calatrava's clean aesthetic and practicality, and the ref. 2526R we have here embodies that same design language perfectly. Launched in 1953 and offered as one of, if not the first, model to feature Patek’s first inhouse self-winding movement, the cal. 12-600AT, the ref. 2526 is one of the Calatrava’s most important references. Boasting an off-white enamel Serpico y Laino co-signed dial with applied Arabic numerals at 12-3-6 of which there are only 2-3 examples known, this exceptionally rare ref. 2526 showcases the best craftsmanship that Patek had to offer at the time – a fact reflected in the high degree of finishing used on the cal. 12-600AT movement. Offered as the peak of technology for the time, the ref. 2526 also featured a screw-down caseback that granted a significant amount of water resistance to the model at the time – a large upgrade for a dress watch. Additionally, the ref. 2526 features a large, for the time, 36mm case that offers a wonderfully contemporary touch to the collection’s original 31mm case, as used by the ref. 96, which added to its ahead-of-its-time movement and screw-down caseback. Offered with an 18kt rose gold bracelet, this ref. 2526 shows mid-century Patek at their very best.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Extract of the Archives
Est. value range
$50,000 – $80,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
36mm
Model
Calatrava
Movement
Automatic cal. 12-600 AT
Reference
2526
Bracelet
18kt rose gold bracelet
Year
Circa 1957
Condition
Very good
Material
18kt rose gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Off-white
THE DIAL
Boasting an exceptionally rare dial variant of which only 2-3 are known, this ref. 2526's off-white enamel display includes a Serpico y Laino co-signature at 6 o'clock and applied numerals at 12-3-9.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Offered on an 18kt rose gold bracelet and with a screw-down caseback, the 36mm ref. 2526R wears with a uniquely contemporary fit and finish on the wrist that makes it an easy watch to enjoy, even by modern standards.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall very good condition. The rose gold case shows a number of scratches and nicks across the surfaces, while the bezel has some scratches and small nicks. The case back retains still-legible S&L and 18K stamps, along with a personal engraving that shows some wear around the edges. The double P-signed winding crown displays some wear. Dial features unusual applied 12, 3 and 9 on the dial, and it has a Serpico Y Laino signature on it that has a few small areas where the printing has deteriorated. The dial surface shows a number of cracks and fissures in the enamel. Please examine closely the images for details. The hands remain clean. It is fitted with a rose gold bracelet with signs of wear and moderate play between the links. The double P-signed clasp also exhibits wear. The bracelet is mentioned in the archive, and also has an SYL stamp on the side of the clasp. It is fitted with 27 links and fits approximately a 7¼”–7½” wrist. Comes complete with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.
Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
An honest barnfind, this rare version of the legendary 2526 has only been seen previously once at auction. With a retailer signature, Arabic quarter indexes and a factory bracelet, every box is checked.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
