Reference 565 was Patek Philippe's first large-sized water resistant watch, featuring a two-piece case with a dust cap and screw down case back. The reference was available with either subsidiary or sweep centre seconds. The present watch is incredibly rare as it is designed in the 'military' style, with luminous hands and radium markers, the latter of which is stated on the Extract from the Archives. To find an example of reference 565 cased in stainless steel is an absolute rarity itself. However, coupled with such a dial configuration can only be described as extraordinary. The luminous is still intact and perfectly round, perfectly contrasting with the gentlemanly Roman numerals and subsidiary dial. The case is furthermore preserved in excellent, unpolished condition, evidenced by the thick lugs and bezel.