Patek Philippe

Introduced in 1938, the Patek Philippe reference 565 stands as the manufacture’s first waterproof wristwatch, marking a significant milestone in its technical evolution.

Distinguished by its screw-down caseback and soft iron dust cover, the reference 565 offered enhanced protection against both moisture and magnetic fields. This focus on water resistance was particularly forward-thinking, as the industrial production of waterproof watch cases remained in its infancy in the late 1930s. In this respect, the model embodies a distinctly pioneering chapter in Patek Philippe’s design and engineering philosophy.

Central to this innovation was François Borgel, an inventive watchmaker and entrepreneur who, in 1892, patented one of the earliest waterproof case constructions. His company, the Borgel Watchcase Company of Geneva, later passed to his daughter Louisa Borgel in 1912 before being acquired in 1924 by the Taubert family of Le Locle. Operating as Taubert & Fils, the firm further refined Borgel’s patented system and became a leading supplier of waterproof cases to prestigious houses including Vacheron Constantin, Ulysse Nardin, Movado and Patek Philippe.

The present example is exceptionally rare and further distinguished by its double-signed dial bearing the stamp of Le Palais Royal, the renowned Cuban retailer founded in 1891 by José Ramón Fernández and Diego Fernández. The firm closed in 1958, and this watch is one of only two known pink gold reference 565s signed by the famed retailer.

This pink gold example is complemented by a warm, pink-toned patina across the silvered dial. It retains its original “priest hat” crown, while the case exhibits crisp hallmarks on both the side of the case and behind the lug. The watch is furthermore accompanied by its presentation box and an Extract from the Archives.