The Patek Philippe 1526: the first of its kind—and unlike any other

There are several rare and collectable perpetual calendar references from Patek, some of which some would claim are better than others.

In the world of high horology, there’s always a “first”—and when it comes to serially produced perpetual calendar wristwatches, that honor belongs to the Patek Philippe 1526. Introduced in 1941, the 1526 wasn’t just Patek’s debut in this category—it beat out the rest of the Holy Trinity to the punch, making it a true trailblazer.

A Rarity by the Numbers

Production of the 1526 lasted until around 1952, with only 210 examples ever made. Almost all of these were housed in cases crafted by Emile Vichet, typically in classic yellow gold. With elegant white dials adorned in hard raised enamel, these watches remain the stuff of vintage dreams today.

But among the 210, a select few stood apart from the rest—those born in pink gold.

A “Pink on Pink” Masterpiece

The piece in question? A pink gold case with a pink dial—a rare and coveted combination that gives the watch a stunning monochromatic aesthetic. But this example doesn’t stop there. It’s the only known 1526 to feature:

• Pink gold calendar wheels (for the day and month)
• A pink enamel moonphase disc

That’s pink on pink, times five—a configuration that stands alone in Patek’s storied history.

A Touch of Rio de Janeiro History

Looking even closer at the dial, you’ll notice the words “Casa Masson”, a nod to the legendary Patek Philippe retailer based in Rio de Janeiro. Retailers like Casa Masson played a crucial role in the brand’s global expansion, especially during times when European demand was disrupted by war and uncertainty. Latin America, and Brazil in particular, became vital markets for these horological masterpieces.