Introduced in 1938, the reference 570 was manufactured with both subsidiary and center seconds configurations and cased in stainless steel, the three gold colors, and platinum. While the most commonly seen version of the 570 features a very elegant but equally simple dial devoid of most graphics, there are exceptions to this rule.

At the pinnacle of reference 570 and all vintage Patek Philippe collecting, we find without a doubt the three-tone dials with applied Breguet numerals. A perfect combination of styles, these dials strike an incredible balance between flair (Breguet numerals, multi-tone dial) and restrained elegance: the overall tone-on-tone result does not feel excessive or overly decorated. It is not a surprise that this dial style was re-interpreted in the modern era - and actually with very few modifications - on the reference 5196P first introduced in 2004.

The three tones are made up of an outer, circular brushed and slightly darker silvered ring which displays the Breguet hour markers, a thinner mirrored ring dividing the inner and outer dial, and a grené silver center dial. Variants with both large and small Breguet numerals are known.

A truly exceptional find, the present 570 in stainless steel is completely fresh-to-the-market. It never ceases to amaze us when a watch of this caliber crosses our desks, and this 570 has an exceptional backstory.

Purchased at a NAWCC “watch mart” in the early 2000s, its custodian for the past two decades is a former military watchmaker and avid collector of all types of timepieces. Finally deciding to let go of one of the stars of his collection, we at Phillips are honored to have been entrusted with such an extraordinary example of an already extremely rare configuration.

The condition of the case and dial is breathtaking. The case shows absolutely no signs of previous polishing – a perfect step to the bezel with a crisp, factory beveled edge around its circumference, and crisply finished lug holes. The raised hard enamel graphics on the dial are beautifully preserved and complete – even the accent mark and comma are perfect - and show absolutely no losses or signs of any previous interventions.

The rarity of this configuration of stainless steel 570 cannot be overstated. In our research, only four examples of a stainless steel 570 with large Breguet numerals and three-tone dial are known to the public, of which this is the fourth. They all bear closely situated case and movement numbers and were produced between 1939 and 1943 – a time of extreme scarcity for steel in general. Now accompanied by a newly issued Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, confirming that the watch was produced in 1943 and fitted with a silvered dial, with satin finish and applied steel Breguet numerals.

We are thrilled and honored to be the temporary custodians of this incredible wristwatch. The absolute beauty, elusiveness, and originality of the timepiece notwithstanding, it is one of the most important, well-preserved, and sought-after time-only wristwatches in the history of watchmaking.