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Patek Philippe
Ref. 570
"Calatravone - Eberhard Milan"
A very well preserved large and attractive stainless steel and pink gold wristwatch with black lacquer dial, retailed by Eberhard Milan, the only one known
Full-Cataloguing
- Only known example in stainless steel and pink gold with black dial
- Retailer Eberhard-Milan signature
- Glossy dial with gilt graphics
- Extremely well preserved with original case proportions
In the history of horology, Patek Philippe’s Calatrava wristwatch has stood as a monument to design excellence and has remained in its collection since the reference 96 was first released in 1932. It is a model that needs no introduction and was offered at a time of change and upheaval for a brand that today is at the pinnacle of Swiss watch manufacturing. In order to ensure the financial success of the firm, the brand chose to design a mainstream model, which would have a broad appeal to the general public. The watch which they offered was the reference 96 Calatrava, named for the cross symbol used by Calatrava knights in the 12th century, and registered by Patek Philippe as its logo in 1887.
The reference 570 is a descendant of the ref 96; keeping its elder’s design language, it offers a larger diameter and a personality of its own. Reference 570 is a potent mix of sophistication and simplicity. A rather large watch, it has been nicknamed "Calatravone" (Italian for large Calatrava), its timeless design with large flat bezel and thick lugs made it a staple within the Patek Phillippe catalogue from 1938 till its discontinuation in 1972.
The reference 570 was cased predominantly in yellow gold and rarely in pink gold, white gold, stainless steel and platinum and featured a multitude of dial variations.
Cased in stainless steel and pink gold, this reference 570 is truly astonishing. Boasting 36.5 mm in diameter, it exhibits full, thick lugs, and incredible proportions. The flat, cylindrical pink gold bezel retains sharp definition. The contrasting brushed and satin finishes enable the beholder to easily imagine how the watch originally left the Patek Philippe workshops in 1942.
Research shows that only 4 stainless steel/pink gold examples have come to market and the present example is the only one to have a glossy black dial (the other known example to feature an Eberhard-Milan signature has a salmon dial).
The watch is furthermore fitted with an exquisite black lacquer dial, confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. The gilt text shines through beautifully, the copper tone adding depth and charisma to the dial. Underneath the hands is the signature of Eberhard Milan, the prestigious Italian retailer has retailed some of the most impressive watches of the 20th century.
Despite the myriad of design variations available, no other reference 570, to the best of our knowledge, features the present characteristics. As such, this watch not only includes every exclusive feature that any collector craves, it is also possibly unique, distinguishing it beyond any of its peers.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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.