Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1954
    Reference No: 565
    Movement No: 723'630
    Case No: 661'214
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-400, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture in 1954 and subsequent sale on December 22, 1954.
    Literature: Similar examples of the reference 565 in stainless steel are prominently illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches, by John Goldberger, pg. 166-195.

  • Catalogue Essay

    As with the protagonist of Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece, The Picture of Dorian Gray, age doesn’t seem to have had any effect on the present Patek Philippe reference 565.

    This reference is in some ways a bridge between dress and sports watches, being the first veritable casual chic timepiece, 30 years before the Patek Philippe Nautilus came to epitomize the genre.

    The reference was first launched in 1938, and featured a plethora of dial and case variations, making it one of Patek Philippe's most diverse and wide ranging models. Reference 565 featured either sweep center seconds, or a subsidiary seconds register. Made predominantly in yellow gold the model was also cased in stainless steel for a sporty and robust take on the gentleman's time-only wristwatch.

    Designed to cater to a public with a growing interest in outdoor activities, this model is not only fitted with a screw down caseback - something of a rarity in the 1940s - but also features an inner soft iron case serving to shield the movement from the adverse effects of magnetic fields. The case is composed of only two parts, constructed without the typical snap-on bezel, further suppressing another entry point of dust and humidity.

    The case of the present lot is particularly well preserved with sharp angles on the lugs, but the most attractive element is undoubtedly the ethereal two tone silver dial with perfectly raised enamel signature, architectural Arabic numerals and silver feuille hands. The only element putting a dash of color in this delightfully monochrome environment is the blue subseconds hand.

    The present reference 565 in steel is part of only four known examples to house the 12-400 caliber. This caliber bears the prestigious Geneva Seal, proof of the painstaking finish and superior quality of the movement giving life to this timepiece.

    Bought in December 1954 in Paris where they were spending their honeymoon, the present reference 565 was a gift from the bride to her husband and is being offered today by the family of the original owner.

    One of only four known examples in this configuration and fresh to the auction market, the present reference 565 is a perfect example of Patek Philippe’s design and technical prowess.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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Ref. 565
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with two-tone silver dial

1954
35mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 
€26,400-44,000
$30,700-51,200

Sold for CHF50,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018