124 Patek Philippe Fresh to the market, extremely rare, and possibly unique, perpetual calendar, moon phases wristwatch in pink gold, with pink dial, retailed by Casa Masson, with Extract from the Archives and Tortella & Sons 'deep-study' documentation.

Estimate: € 500,000 –⁠ 1,000,000

Patek Philippe’s visionary reference 1526 represents a defining moment in horological history, marking the dawn of the serially produced perpetual calendar wristwatch. Introduced in 1941 and crafted until 1952, this pioneering model redefined the landscape of haute horlogerie, establishing an enduring legacy that would influence generations of perpetual calendar timepieces. A testament to Patek Philippe’s relentless pursuit of technical mastery and elegant design, the reference 1526 laid the foundation for the manufacture’s future complications, setting an uncompromising standard that continues to captivate collectors and connoisseurs alike. Beneath the elegant restraint of its case and dial lies a marvel of mechanical ingenuity, an intricate movement capable of autonomously tracking the varying lengths of each month, seamlessly adjusting for leap years. This extraordinary feat of watchmaking is housed within a design of effortless sophistication, a hallmark of Patek Philippe’s approach to haute horlogerie. Produced for just a decade, reference 1526 remains an elusive treasure, with only 210 examples known to exist. The vast majority were crafted in yellow gold, while a select few emerged in the even rarer pink gold configuration. A truly special timepiece, not only is this Patek Philippe reference 1526 in pink gold, but it further showcases an extremely charming pink gold dial displaying minimalist Arabic numerals. Coming from long-time ownership in one of the most prominent European collections, and more importantly, fresh to the market and in a possibly unique configuration, the present perpetual calendar is further signed Casa Masson, the renowned Rio de Janeiro-based retailer. Throughout the 20th century, with Europe finding itself in the midst of major wars, South America became home to some of the most prestigious clients and watch retailers, playing a crucial role in distributing timepieces from the world’s finest maisons. Legendary names such as Casa Masson in Brazil, Joyeria Rivera in Cuba, Serpico y Laino in Venezuela, and Casa Welsch in Peru were not merely points of sale but institutions in their own right, catering to an elite clientele that included statesmen, industrialists, and cultural icons. These retailers often had their names stamped on dials, a coveted detail that today signifies provenance, rarity, and historical significance. Watches bearing these distinguished double signatures are revered by collectors, as they serve as a testament to an era when fine watchmaking found an enthusiastic audience in South America, elevating these timepieces into the realm of the extraordinary. It is therefore very hard to describe the rarity, charm, and immense allure the present timepiece displays and commands. An opportunity of this magnitude is seldom encountered, for the collector seeking the absolute pinnacle of vintage Patek Philippe watchmaking.