PATEK PHILIPPE

• cal. 12-120 nickel lever movement, mono-metallic compensation balance, 18 jewels, micrometer regulator, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, metal dust cover • gilt dial, applied gold Roman and baton indexes, subsidiary seconds • 18k gold water-resistant-type case, faceted bezel, screw back • case and movement signed by maker, dial signed by maker and retailer

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1946 and sale on March 2nd of the following year.

This model, Ref. 565, was introduced in approximately 1938 and was manufactured for almost fifteen years before being replaced by Ref. 2532 (see the previous lot).

The inside of the case back is stamped 'FB', the maker's mark for Taubert & Fils. From the late 19th century, when it existed under the name Frères Borgel, Taubert & Fils was one of the finest Geneva-based case makers and specialized in water-resistant cases. They worked with many firms, including Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. 

According to our research, the present example is one of only three Ref. 565 wristwatches to appear at auction with a gilt dial further signed by Beyer.