Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1962
    Reference No: 570
    Movement No: 710'017
    Case No: 312'866
    Model Name: Calatrava
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 27 SC, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Unsigned steel 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 1962 with silvered dial and gold indexes and its subsequent sale on November 12, 1962.

  • Catalogue Essay

    This reference 570 is an extremely well-preserved example. Its impeccable state of preservation truly sets this watch apart from its peers today. It displays full, thick lugs, and incredible proportions. It also displays brushed and satin finishes. The watch features two sharp hallmarks to the back of the lugs, which are so deep and crisp. The edges of the case are furthermore sharp to the touch.

    Interestingly, the caseback bears a Japanese inscription which translates to "Gift to Hirai Giichi Taikei 1972 Kodama Yoshio". An extremely prominent and notorious figure in Japan, Kodama Yoshio (February 18, 1911 – January 17, 1984) was an incredibly active behind-the-scenes power broker in 20th century Japan, controlling much of its underworld and political arena. An ardent nationalist, he was heavily involved in different areas of the Japanese government and even worked with the U.S.intelligence at one point. The present watch must have been a gift from "The Don" to Hirai Giichi, a politician and governor in Japan in 1972, cementing their brotherhood.

  • 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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148

Ref. 570
A rare, large and exceptionally well preserved white gold wristwatch with center seconds and Kodama Yoshio caseback inscription

1962
35mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,900-23,200
$16,400-27,300

Sold for CHF50,000

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020