Patek Philippe
Reference 565 | A stainless steel wristwatch with Breguet numerals and luminous dial, Made in 1942
Auction Closed
December 7, 07:12 PM GMT
Estimate
50,000 - 100,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: silvered, Breguet numerals
Caliber: cal. 12'''120 mechanical, 18 jewels
Movement number: 922’913
Case: stainless steel, dust cover, personally engraved screw down case back
Case number: 626’503
Size: 35 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on June 21, 1943
The Calatrava is the backbone of the Patek Philippe catalog, having been in production since the 1930s, and the reference 565 is one of its all-time greats. Upon the Calatrava's introduction in 1938, it became one of the first Patek models to be serially offered in a myriad of case metals, dial configurations, and was all housed in the first waterproof case.
The present example is perhaps one of the most desirable variants ever to be offered: the Breguet Luminous dial with a stainless-steel case. Handcrafted and applied Breguet numerals dance around the outer rail scale with dots of cream-colored radium dotting the hour markers. The handset is luminous and large, lending a sporting air to an otherwise formal and elegant dial. The screwdown case back case also reveals the most charming of engraving: an Irish blessing from parents to their son, “ 1708 – 1876 Our son, may God keep you in the hollow of his hand, Mama Girl and Daddy”. As one of the most collectible Patek models, this attractive example is a feast for the eyes.