Collection
Mike H shares his appreciation for 36mm watches, particularly the Patek Philippe Ref. 2526 and a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date with a Tiffany dial. He highlights how these 'oversized' vintage pieces, despite their smaller diameter by modern standards, perfectly suit his wrist and taste. Mike H draws parallels between the two watches, focusing on their shared aesthetic and comfortable wearability.
In spite of today’s trend and probably because of the limited size of my wrist (17cm) I feel much more comfortable with watches having a quite reasonable size. This is the reason why 36 mm diameter watches fit well on my wrist and my taste leads me towards this kind of watches that many could find too small in size against present standards.
Also for this reason I highly appreciate simple 3 hands watches with no complications at least for my every day use. Thus since many years I have been very naturally seduced by the very coveted classy Patek 2526, the mother of all Calatravas (that I have already presented here in a review early September).
And for the same reason I could not resist when I first saw its cousin from the Rolex house. The rarity of this piece (because of the model and obviously because of the Tiffany dial) but certainly also its exceptional condition pushed me to grab it with no hesitation. Of course they don’t “box” in the same category but that is not the point: I don’t mean to compare them, on the contrary: they have so many similarities I thought it could be interesting to present them in parallel.
Size of the case is similar and was qualified as “oversized” at that time with their 36mm diameter
Although the design of the case is obviously different, it is clear they are from the same period (1956 for the Patek, 1964 for the Rolex).
Their similar fluid shape falls ideally on the wrist and they are equally comfortable to wear thanks to their very reasonable 11mm thickness.
And from another angle
Of course both original crowns proudly carry the logo of their respective Houses
As for the caliber they are however less comparable: when the 2526 shows the mythic 12-600 AT inside (the first self-winding movement of the manufacture) with its massive 18K guilloche golden rotor and stamped with the Geneva seal
Each of the 2 watches is having its charm and beauty.
Actually I am not asking to myself if I love one more than the other: would you ask yourself this question if you had 2 children?
Of course not and this is just the same: I cherish them equally, I just love them both.
Best,
Mike
The Oyster Perpetual Date reference 1560 represents a classic iteration of Rolex's enduring Date model, distinguished by its automatic movement and the inclusion of a date complication. This reference belongs to a period when Rolex was refining its Oyster case and self-winding mechanisms, offering a robust yet understated timepiece for daily wear. It is a foundational piece within the Oyster Perpetual Date family, embodying the core principles of durability and precision that define the brand's offerings.
This reference typically features a stainless steel Oyster case, measuring approximately 34mm in diameter, a size characteristic of many Rolex models from its era. It is powered by an automatic mechanical movement, specifically the Rolex Caliber 1560, known for its reliability and precision. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal and offers water resistance suitable for everyday use, consistent with the Oyster case design.
For collectors, the reference 1560 is appealing for its historical significance as a well-preserved example of Rolex's mid-century production. It offers a direct link to the brand's development of its self-winding date watches. Variants may include different dial finishes and hour marker configurations, providing subtle distinctions for enthusiasts seeking specific aesthetic characteristics within this classic reference.
And the signed Patek crown is SUBLIME! Thanks for sharing. Best, Nicolas
The size of 36 mm is perfect in my eyes for a dress watch. I would like to see more of this diameter around nowadays. But it is a good reason to have a closer look on the vintage ones :-). Kind regards anaesdoc
thanks a lot for posting !
Congrats, they are both great watches, specially the "oversize" Rolex, reference 1013, (36mm case and 20mm lugs) and really rare to find.
... watches. I love these type of watches, which as you well say, could be considered small for todays satandards, but I like to wear them so much. They are both charming and elegant, and so enjoyable to have on our wrist. Thank you for a wonderful post, Kind regards, Abel.
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