Patek Philippe

Mark in Paris
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The Patek Philippe 1526 reference: a rare discreet elegance

Gentlemen,

When looking at some books, websites, etc. we can fall upon very nice models.

Today, I thought I could share some pictures of the reference 1526 form Patek Philippe.

I think this picture here below shows, better than any word, how beautiful and refined is this reference: the rare elegance of a 3-hands watch with a great complication.



Source: Antiquorum


It was one of the first Perpetual Calendar wristwatches from the brand. Indeed, at that time this kind of complication was very rare and made at a very few examples or even remained unique.

The 1526 reference was produced from 1941 to 1952 in only 210 pieces mainly in yellow gold, a few in rose gold and it seems only one in steel which is visible in the Patek Philippe Museum.

it was equipped with the 12"-120 QP caliber which base was born in 1935.



Source: Antiquorum


As you maybe noticed, current registers Annual Calendar references use the dial layout of these PC references whereas today's PC models have a different date arrangement. I think I find that the way the date is very interestingly integrated in this dial compared to the date window used in today's Annual Calendar references at 6. Today's AC date display (disk) is certainly more legible though.

One thing I don't understand yet: on later references there is a little round window in the dial showing the leap year. In the earlier PC watches from Patek I was wondering how the leap year could be set? Is it on the back?



Source: Boomberg


This is the kind of watch we slowly come to, as we see them time after time. We have here members who are familiar with vintage watches and other who are more enthusiastic about the current production. I'll be curious to read how you all feel about this reference?

Have a nice week!

Cheers, Mark