Patek Philippe
Calatrava, Reference 565 | A stainless steel wristwatch | Made in 1940
Auction Closed
May 10, 02:36 PM GMT
Estimate
16,000 - 30,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: silvered
Calibre: cal. 12'''120 manual winding, 18 jewels
Movement number: 920'352
Case: stainless steel, screw-down case back
Case number: 621'077
Closure: stainless steel Patek Philippe buckle
Size: 35 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: no
Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on February 11, 1941 and service hang tag
Please note the leather strap derived from endangered species is for display purposes only and is not sold with the watch. The watch will be shipped with a Sotheby’s branded calf leather strap.
The Patek Philippe reference 565 stands among the most classic gentleman’s wristwatches of the 20th century. Introduced in 1938, it combined innovation with practicality, notably through its two piece Taubert case with screw down back, inner soft iron dust cover for anti magnetic protection, and a larger case size compared to the earlier reference 96. Designed for an increasingly active clientele, it was one of the manufacture’s earliest waterproof wristwatches.
Produced until 1952, the reference evolved over time, with early examples such as the present watch fitted with the calibre 12’’’120.
The present example, dating from 1941 as confirmed by its Extract from the Archives, is cased in stainless steel, which is the most desirable configurations. It features a correct long signature dial. The matching case numbers between the lugs further confirm the originality of the case.
A cornerstone of the Calatrava lineage, the reference 565 remains a highly sought-after model, admired for its balance of technical innovation, robustness, and timeless design.