Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: Circa 1950 Reference No: 570 Movement No: 711’765 Case No: 312’836 Model Name: Calatrava Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27SC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow 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 date of manufacture of the present watch in 1964 and its subsequent sale on December 23rd, 1965.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s Calatrava is a true horological icon, and a family of wristwatches considered by many collectors as being amongst the most beautiful time-only watches of all time. First introduced in 1932 and still in production today, their earliest reference 96 set the mold for a line of legendary timepieces that are immediately recognizable thanks to enduring design codes that have gracefully evolved over more than eight decades. In 1938, the firm released their very first ‘large’ Calatrava models, increasing the case diameter from a small 30mm to 36mm. Two models were introduced - the reference 530 with concave bezel and the reference 570, like the present watch, with flat cylindrical bezel. The model was manufactured until 1972 and was sold with a wide variety of dials, encased predominantly in yellow gold, and rarely in pink gold, white gold, stainless steel and platinum.
This reference 570 is fresh to the market and a well preserved example of the famed model. The oversized yellow gold case is superbly proportioned, and the flat bezel elegantly frames the lovely silvered dial. In a world where complications are thought to be the height of desirability, elegant, ‘simple’ watches of the early 20th century with timeless designs command equal attention. Preserved in wonderful condition, the case furthermore features strong hallmarks, sharp edges, and its original curves and proportions.
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.