Patek Philippe - Game Changers New York Tuesday, December 10, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1950
    Reference No: 565
    Movement No: 700'511, movement stamped HOX
    Case No: 662'034
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 27 SC, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch Breguet numerals in 1950 and its subsequent sale on February 28th, 1951.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The reference 565 is one of the most classic gentleman wristwatches of the 20th century. Released in 1938, the model featured innovative and enduring qualities that today make it a collector’s favorite. These including the two piece Taubert case with screw down back, an inner soft iron cover to protect the movement from the adverse effects of magnetic fields, and a more generous 35mm diameter case, compared to the smaller reference 96, which was first released in 1932. The brand continued to manufacture the model until 1952, and in an era when yellow gold timepieces were de riguer, most examples were made in yellow gold, with fewer examples in pink gold and rarely in stainless steel. Designed for a public with a growing interest in outdoor activities, the reference 565 was waterproof with its screw-down case back. Offered with subsidiary seconds or less frequently, with center seconds, over the course of time the caliber was upgraded. First series examples of the reference housed the caliber 12’’’120, while a Victorin Piguet indirect center seconds movement 12-120 SC was introduced in 1939, in 1950 a second series was released with the caliber 12’’’400, as well as the new caliber 27 SC (center seconds).

    Fresh-to-the-market and in lovely original condition, the present reference 565 features many highly coveted and very rare attributes appreciated by the most discerning connoisseurs. Its stunning silvered dial features Breguet numerals and rare luminous hour markers, as confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives. As is expected from a watch produced in 1950, the clean dial has the shortened brand signature, with raised, hard enamel printing throughout that is free from any losses. Powered by the Patek Philippe calibre 27 SC, the sweeping seconds complication is a particularly rare and desired function. Historical research suggests that Henry Graves, one of the most prominent early 20th century collectors, wore a reference 565 as his daily wristwatch - a testament to the importance of this reference. It is a breathtaking example of the reference 565 certain to impress even the most demanding connoisseur.

  • 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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Ref. 565
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds, silvered dial, Breguet numerals, luminous hour markers, and luminous hands

1950
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed.

Estimate
$50,000 - 100,000 
CHF49,800-99,600
€45,400-90,700
HK$392,000-783,000

Sold for $100,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Game Changers

New York Auction 10 December 2019