• cal. 12'''600 automatic nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 30 jewels, mono-metallic balance, engine-turned gold rotor • enamel dial, applied gold Breguet numerals • 18k yellow gold circular case, screw-down back with engravings • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold PP buckle

Automatic movement running while cataloguing. Dial with surface hairlines and crazing between 9 & 6 o'clock and 11 & 12 o'clock. Back of the case engraved "M. EDWARD VERDI IN APPRECIATION OF HIS GREAT WORK FOR THE BREWING INDUSTRY FROM U.S.B.F. SEPTEMBER It is our opinion the case has been repolished and some letters of the engravings has been slightly rubbed off. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an Extract of the Archives confirming production with enamel dial and applied gold Arabic figures in 1957 and sale on July 15th, 1969. 

The Ref. 2526, first manufactured in 1953, was the first self-winding wristwatch made by Patek Philippe, with its production ceased in 1960.  I🀅t has become an iconic piece among collectors in today's market due to the classic and𒊎 handsome appearance of the enamel dial.

The enamel dial of the present example is fitted with Breguet numerals adding to its exceptional rarity.  Most commonly set with baton numerals, the Breguet numeral dial requires exact craftsmanship and precision even before the dial is enameled.  Unlike the normal baton index 'feet' which can be aligned from the center and inserted post-enameling, the application of Breguet numerals requires completely positioned holes in the raw plaque.  Thus, a Breguet dial must be chosen before the enameling process begins. 🐼 Other exotic variations include Arabic numerals, diamond indexes, black dials as well as the 'Do Unto Others' dial.  Whil🦄e all highly sought after by collectors for their rarity and unusual looks, our research indicates that only four other examples of Ref. 2526 fitted with Breguet numerals have appeared at auction. 

The first 500 movements of calibre 12'''60🌄0, such as the present watch, were fitted with the earliest version of this legendary ébauche without ball bearing, rendering these watches particularly rare and collectable.

For further discussion of the launch of Ref. 2526, see Reardon, J. Patek Philippe in America, p. 154. Examples of Ref. 2526 are illustrated in Huber, 💯M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, pp. 213 and 216-7. Cal. 12-600 is illustrated on p. 214 of the same text.