• cal. 12''''120 QP manual winding movement, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, mono metallic balance • silvered dial, applied yellow gold Arabic numerals, and dot indexes, twin apertures for day and month in English, subsidiary seconds combined with moon phases and date • 18k yellow gold case, concave bezel, solid snap on case back • case, dial, and movement signed •  with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

CASE Please note the thickness is approximately 11 mm. Case with polish, and overall attractive. Hallmark to upper lug is apparent, but difficult to discern Case bands with some very light surface marks. A Patek Philippe service sticker apparent to the case back. The case back has not been reviewed without the sticker present. A very small dot nick to the case back near 6 o'clock. Case and buckle with some light and even oxidation. DIAL Dial is washed. Some lighter areas to the dial, especially to the date track on the subsidiary dial from 11-15, and at 29. Accent to the E of Geneve is very faint. Tops of PP from Philippe with fading. A star to the moon phase wheel with wear to one of the tips. Some very light surface debris under a very close observation under a loupe. MOVEMENT Perpetual calendar function operating. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
"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."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin and Extract from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture in 1950, and sale on September 1, 1961. Together with a Patek Philippe service quotation dated March 10, 2008.  Reference 1526 was manufactured from 1941 until 1952 and together with Reference 1518 was the first perpetual calendar wristwatch produced in series by any company.
To the best of our knowledge, approximately 210 pieces were made over the twelve years of production. 

The present lot is from the second series, made with the date combined with subsidiary seconds and moon phases. Of particular note here is the retention of the original Certificate of Origin dated from its sale in 1961, a treasure for a discerning collector. 

For further reading about Ref. 1526, please see Huber, M. & Banbery, A. Patek Philippe Genève, 1988, pp. 215 & 226.