Nicknamed the “Calatravone” (large Calatrava in Italian), the 35mm diameter reference 570 might seem oversized back in the late 30s, but doubtful under today’s standard. Ultra-thin, and a definition of understated elegance that slides right under the cuffs, this is now the perfectly sized dress watch for the connoisseurs of modern days. Available in the Patek Philippe catalogue for more than 3 decades, the aesthetic is very much a form follows function design that was launched in series. The firm introduced two variants including one with small seconds and another with center seconds, encased in an array of different configurations across 5 metals: yellow, white and pink gold, will very few examples in stainless steel and the noble, platinum.
Part of the second series, the present Calatravone is powered by the manual calibre 27 SC which began production during the 1950s and is a modification of the original calibre 12 Sci with the added sweep seconds mechanism by Victorin Piguet. Like the ref 96, cases were made by Antonie Gerlach, the specialist on Calatrava cases for Patek Philippe.
Preserved in stunning condition with razor sharp edges, this hefty ref. 570 is cased in the noblest metal of all, platinum. Crisp hallmarks can be found behind the lugs, the downturned lugs are well-balanced and strong. According to our research, less than 80 examples of the platinum 570 has appeared publicly in the auction market. A classic timepiece born in 1961 confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives and preserved in wonderful condition with strong raised enamel, this is the perfect watch for those who knows how to appreciate the less is more ethos.