In-Depth: The Famed Enamel Dials Of The Patek Philippe Ref. 2526, And A Visit To The Factory Where They’re Trying Tirelessly To Replicate Them

Just recently, at a well-known auction house, a Patek Philippe ref. 2526 first series was being offered for sale at what I thought was an unexpectedly low estimate. Surely the watch would use the estimate as a starting point and the bidding would jump accordingly. It was during the pre-sale viewing, with a loupe, that I found the reason for the low estimate. The dial was cracked: a hairline ran from the center all the way across to the marker at four o’clock. The dream was shattered once more. The value of the 2526 lies, to a large extent, in the condition of the dial. And there in lies the rub. Enamel dials are extremely difficult to manufacture and maintain. However, I have recently found something worrying for collectors who, like myself, would love to own a 2526 but are concerned about dial provenance and condition.

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