Following the success of ref. 96, Patek Philippe introduced ref. 2526 in 1953. This model arrived on the market about 25 years after Rolex, which held the record for the first automatic watch in history. This delay was certainly not caused by a lack of expertise within the Maison, but rather by the duration of the patent held by Rolex; upon its expiration, Patek Philippe presented its new creation. The novelty of this reference was hidden right beneath the dial: the caliber 12-600AT, the very first automatic movement ever produced by Patek Philippe.

While the movement represents a milestone, the dial of ref. 2526 is equally legendary. Its vitreous surface bestows a deep, three-dimensional elegance, embellished by the gold-powder signature; an extraordinary refinement considering the complexity of the craftsmanship, which was subject to a very high reject rate due to the cracks and imperfections that easily form during the firing process.