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 dial, the 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 its original 18kt rose gold brick-style bracelet, this ref. 2526 maintains a direct link back to its past with the S&L stamps that adorn its caseback, bracelet and dial in the form of its Serpico y Laino stamp, which links this example back to the iconic Venezuelan retailer.

Watch is in near-mint vintage condition. Case is thick and full, with wide lugs that show only minimal surface wear. There is some where where the bracelet has rubbed against the back of the lugs, but the hallmarks are still fully visible. Caseback retains original spun finish, along with the "SYL" stamp visible on the edge. Original enamel dial signed Serpico Y Laino in near-mint condition. There are no hairline cracks or fissures visible on the surface of the dial. Watch comes on its original Patek Philippe and SYL signed bracelet, with is long and fits a 7 3/4" wrist. There is minimal stretch. The caseback does not bear any watchmakers marks, and the movement appears pristine. Archive reflects that the watch was born with the bracelet.

Without a doubt on of the finest examples of a 2526 we've ever seen, this particular one happens to be rose gold and also retailed by the legendary Serpico Y Laino. A rare opportunty to acquire a fresh to market pristine example of one of the most deisrable time only Patek Philippes ever made.