Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1946 Reference No: 570 Movement No: 928'924 Case No: 300'048 Model Name: Calatrava Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12'''120, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold pin buckle Dimensions: 35.5mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of manufacture of the present watch in 1946 and its subsequent sale on November 21st, 1946.
Catalogue Essay
The large reference 570, nicknamed "Calatravone" (Italian for large Calatrava), has been a favorite amongst collectors thanks to its large case, flat bezel and vivid modernist design.
A version in pink gold with two tone pink dial, like the present lot, provides a sense of exhilaration and excitement for collectors not only for its ultimate rarity but also for its achingly dashing looks.
Introduced in 1938, the iconic reference 570, which is a larger version of Patek Philippe’s reference 96, was manufactured with both subsidiary and center seconds configurations in stainless steel, yellow, white and pink gold, and platinum cases. The present example from the first series houses the caliber 12’’’120, whilst the second series used the caliber 12’’’400, and the last series used an antimagnetic movement - the caliber 27 AM 400.
The present lot is most certainly one of the most charismatic and best preserved examples of a pink gold reference 570 we have seen. The case is most probably unpolished as attested by the crisp gold hallmark on the case flank and the applied hour markers have developed a theatrical oxidation where depending on the light go from purple to blue.
Easily amongst the most beautiful time-only watches of all time, this timepiece is what dreams are made of and will appeal to the most discerning collector.
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.