Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1942
    Reference No: 570
    Movement No: 922'311
    Case No: 508'239
    Model Name: "Calatrava"
    Material: 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120PS, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 14K yellow gold with a black dial in 1942 and its subsequent sale on November 5, 1942 further accompanied by the original presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1938, reference 570 was the first large Calatrava produced in series. In fact, watches measuring anything near 36mm were then seen as quite daring. While the model was cased predominantly in 18K yellow gold, it also existed in white or pink gold and stainless steel in small numbers but it is the first time that we see an example in 14K yellow gold with black dial. Confirmed by Patek Philippe’s archives, this possibly unique watch was made using 14K yellow gold and the very attractive pink shine results from the proportion of gold used in this alloy. Such cases were in general reserved for the Eastern European market.

    Another particularity of 14K yellow gold cases is that they were made by a Geneva based company called Genevor, that produced cases with noticeable differences in the shape proportions compared to the 18K counterparts. The diameter of the present 570 is 0.5mm larger than the standard model, and it furthermore features thicker lugs.

    In production for more than 30 years, this reference exists in many configurations, with multiple dials and movements featuring subsidiary seconds first, and centre seconds in later models. An early example, the present watch powered by a calibre 12-120 features subsidiary seconds. The watch’s stand out feature however, is its extraordinary black lacquered dial, beautifully accented with contrasting Arabic and baton hour markers. An extremely rare dial that is confirmed by the Extract from the Archives.

    The case features two hallmarks on the side and one underneath the lug, underlining the excellent condition of the case.

    The exquisite black dial of this possibly unique 14K yellow gold reference 570, combined with the watch’s beautifully preserved condition and freshness to the auction market makes this a very exciting trophy for all collectors.

  • 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.

    View More Works

223

Ref. 570
A possibly unique and well-preserved 14K yellow gold wristwatch with black lacquered dial

1942
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 150,000 
€88,000-132,000
$102,000-154,000

Sold for CHF225,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018