Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1948 Reference No: 565 Movement No: 963'280 Case No: 649'631 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12'''120, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the manufacture of the present watch with Breguet numerals in 1948 and its sale on March 16, 1949
Catalogue Essay
A robustly built yet gorgeous dress watch from the 1940s, we wouldn’t go as far as saying that reference 565 is a sports watch, but due to its case construction, it certainly is a timepiece 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 as to shield the movement from the adverse effects of magnetic fields.
The case is composed of only two parts constructed without the habitual snap-on bezel, further suppressing another entry point of dust and humidity.
The present lot is in remarkable condition, and looks as if it just left the Patek Philippe ateliers in Geneva. The case retains its elegant angles, brushed and polished surfaces. The beautiful cream dial, with its snailed seconds subdial, provides for an arresting visual effect.
The rarity of the applied Breguet numerals along with its overall excellent condition make the present lot a superb example of this highly desirable reference.
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.