943
Patek Philippe
Ref. 565
Calatrava, Only known in pink gold
A fresh-to-the-market, extremely well-preserved, the only known and possibly the only one made pink gold wristwatch with two-tone silvered dial and direct center seconds
Full-Cataloguing
- The only one known and possibly the only one made pink gold ref. 565 with center seconds cal. 27 SC
- Gorgeously preserved two-tone silvered dial and pink gold case
- Manufactured in 1951, one of the last batches of ref. 565 made
- Accompanied by its Extract of the Archives confirming the cal. 27 SC
The present Patek Philippe reference 565 in pink gold with a stunning two-tone silvered dial is an absolute standout. The interplay of subtle brushing techniques across the dial creates an extraordinary visual depth. Introduced in 1938, the reference 565 is widely regarded as one of the definitive classic wristwatches of the 20th century, boasting innovative engineering that continues to captivate collectors today. The reference includes a robust two-piece waterproof case by Taubert featuring a screw-down back, an inner soft-iron anti-magnetic shield and a modern, generous case diameter compared to the smaller reference 96 introduced in 1932.
Patek Philippe maintained production of the reference 565 until 1952. In an era when yellow gold was the dominant metal of choice, significantly fewer pieces were cased in pink gold. Tailored for an active clientele with a growing interest in outdoor pursuits, the model was engineered as a truly functional waterproof dress watch.
While most examples were produced with small seconds, a fraction of the production features center seconds. And over the course of its production lifespan, the underlying center seconds movement evolved continuously.
- First series (up until 1949): cal. 12-120 SC, indirect center seconds.
- Second series (1949 – 1952): an upgraded cal. 27 SC, direct center seconds. (Present example)
First series models with subsidiary seconds housed cal. 12’’’120, while the indirect center seconds movement by Victorin Piguet (cal. 12-120 SC) was introduced in 1939. By 1949, a second series emerged, powered by either a subsidiary seconds cal. 12’’’400 or the newly developed center seconds cal. 27 SC.
Fresh-to-the-market, the present watch—manufactured in 1951—belongs to one of the final production batches and is powered by the ultra-rare cal. 27 SC with sweep center seconds. According to our research, this is the only known pink gold reference 565 housing cal. 27 SC paired with a two-tone silvered dial, while the other two known center seconds pink gold examples feature a long Patek Philippe signature and the earlier indirect center seconds cal. 12-120 SC.
Preserved in exceptionally clean overall condition with sharp, crisp hallmarks, the two-tone dial retains its distinct raised hard enamel printing across the signature and outer tracks. The original winding crown displays its signature, slightly domed profile nicknamed the “priest hat” by collectors. Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming its factory attributes, this timepiece is a remarkably well-preserved survivor after 75 years.
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.