Patek Philippe - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1964
    Reference No: 570
    Movement No: 711'219
    Case No: 316'173
    Model Name: Calatrava
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 27 SC, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 35.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in white gold in 1964 and its subsequent sale on June 3rd, 1964.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Officially introduced in 1932 and still in production today, Patek Philippe’s Calatrava is a true icon – a family of watches considered by many as being amongst the most beautiful time-only watches of all time. All Patek Philippe Calatrava models are descendants of the first Calatrava, the famed reference 96, which was incidentally the first model to introduce numbered references in 1932. Its elegant and proportional design, flat bezel, and slightly elongated lugs commemorate the Bauhaus style of form following function, with no extraneous ornamentation or superfluous details. For many, this first Calatrava is considered the benchmark for all dress watches produced since 1932.

    While the reference 96 was 31mm in diameter, the next iteration of the Calatrava, the reference 570, increased the case dimensions to a dramatic 35.5mm in diameter, all while retaining the same design codes. With the diversity of dial configurations and metals used for these Calatravas, produced in yellow, white, and rose gold as well as platinum and steel, rarity and condition are what drives the collectability of these larger Calatrava models. The present 570 possesses amongst the rarest of all dial configurations, with a raised enamel minute track, as well as the sought after sweeping center seconds. A gorgeous, satinated champagne-colored dial with a vibrant “soleil”-pattern complements the soft lustre of the case and contrasts beautifully with the raised enamel printing and white gold indexes.

    This example is fresh-to-the-market, in a pristine state of preservation that so often eludes collectors, particularly in timepieces manufactured in precious metals. The original factory brushed finish is still crisply intact, with the flat bezel still sharp at the edges. The two hallmarks under the charismatic and thick lugs are well-defined and the lug holes equidistant. The present lot is an opportunity to own a rare version of a benchmark reference of the twentieth century, which is preserved in wonderful condition.

  • 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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101

Ref. 570
A very fine, rare and elegant oversized white gold wristwatch with sweep center seconds and champagne dial

1964
35.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$40,000 - 80,000 
CHF39,900-79,700
€34,700-69,500
HK$314,000-627,000

Sold for $75,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018