Patek Philippe's reference 565 was possibly the first watch that would address the needs of a society with an increased desire for outdoor activities, in particular sports. This model is not only fitted with a screw back for enhanced protection against humidity and dust, but also an inner second cover to shield the movement against magnetic fields. The case would be composed of only two parts, omitting the clip-on bezel, normally found on wristwatches of the same period and thus suppressing another point of entry for unwanted elements. The present example, fresh to the auction market, must be considered one of the most exceptional specimens of reference 565 to ever come to the market.

Reference 565 was also one of the first Patek Philippe wristwatches to be made in series with a stainless steel case, further underlining its robust character. It is fitted with a black galvanic finish dial, with applied Arabic and dot numerals, a dial design never previously seen on this reference. The silver signature and outer minute track are beautifully shining through from underneath, and are overall in remarkable condition given the watch's seventy years of age.

Most importantly, for any avid collector, is the fact that the Patek Philippe archives confirm that the present watch was born with the black dial. Indeed, of the small handful of stainless steel references 565 we know today with black dials, only half are actually born with the black dials and certified as such. Typical for black dials with lacquered surface from the 1940s, the surface has aged and developed quite evenly, crazing to the lacquered surface. Also the steel numerals show light oxidation and discoloration, giving the watch additional charm and further legitimacy.

Unrestored stainless steel references 565 with original black dials are of such rarity that in John Goldberger's Steel Watches book dedicated to Patek Philippe steel watches, there are only two examples illustrated with black dials further underlining the gem character of black dials references 565 in steel.