This is an extremely fine and rare 18K gold self-winding wristwatch with an enamel
dial, produced by Patek Philippe, Genève circa 1957.
The unique dial bears the Andreas Huber, Munich signature over the seconds sub-dial. Patek Philippe and retailer Huber have a close relationship, so much so, that in 2006 Patek made a limited edition of timepieces encased in an officer’s case (ref. 5053) to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Huber. Nevertheless, the Huber signature is extremely rare – if not unique – on a ref. 2526, making this a holy-grail acquisition of an important reference.
Reference 2526 was Patek’s first self-winding watch bearing Cal. 12”600 movement, stamped with the Geneva Seal, 30 jewels, guilloche pattern 18K gold decorated rotor, and patented Gyromax balance wheel. Patek intended ref. 2526 to be a landmark watch: it was released with considerable pomp, and at the time of the release, time only ref. 2526 was priced only 400 Swiss Francs less than the fabled ref. 2499 perpetual calendar. Fewer than 600 were ever made.
This example comes with an original cream enamel dial, applied gold markers, subsidiary dial for constant seconds, circular water-resistant-type screw in case back, vintage18k gold Patek Philippe buckle, case, dial and movement signed. Sharp lugs and a clearly visible hallmark show no signs of excessive polish. 36mm diam
