Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1942
    Reference No: 570
    Movement No: 921'679
    Case No: 297'388
    Model Name: Calatrava
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12'''120, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe Henri Stern buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in pink gold with rose dial and raised gold indexes in 1942 and its subsequent sale on 20 April 1942.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 570 was Patek Philippe's very first "large" Calatrava model that was produced in series. At the time of production, the reference was the largest "time-only" wristwatch produced by the firm. Manufactured from 1938 to 1972, the model was cased predominantly in yellow gold, and rarely in pink gold, white gold, stainless steel and platinum. The reference featured a multitude of dial variations. While some were fitted with Breguet numerals, others featured black lacquer dials and even those with a two-tone nature.

    The present watch is cased in pink gold and features raised hour numerals, which is confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. This dial configuration, featuring straight Arabic numerals is playfully dubbed "telephone dial", due to its similar resemblance to the rotary dial of old telephones. This "pink on pink" effect is incredibly striking, further enhanced by the pink gold numerals, giving a wonderful chromatic appearance. In fact, research shows that the present watch is the first example cased in pink gold with a "telephone dial" to appear ever appear on the market, highlighting the utter rarity of the watch.

    The most striking characteristic of the dial is the "underline" beneath the "Geneve" portion of the signature. While scholars today debate the meaning of this subtlety, it is confirmed that many examples from the period feature this detail.

    Preserved in wonderful condition, the case furthermore features two strong hallmarks, an assay mark and excellent proportions.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Ref. 570
A fine, rare and large pink gold wristwatch with pink "telephone underline" dial

1942
35mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 
€27,800-46,300
$29,700-49,500

Sold for CHF37,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017