Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1944 Reference No: 565 Movement No: 924’829 Case No: 630’357 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with Breguet numerals in 1944, and its subsequent sale on July 19th, 1944
Catalogue Essay
The reference 565 is one of the most classic gentleman's 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. 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.
The present example is nicely aged and the silvered dial features Breguet numerals as confirmed by the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives. 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 lovely example of the reference 565, certain to impress.
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.