Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1948
    Reference No: 565
    Movement No: 961'687
    Case No: 639'949
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120''', 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPco
    Dimensions: 34.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed, dial further signed Serpico y Laino
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised hour-markers in steel in 1948 and its subsequent sale on 16 June 1948.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Stainless steel is one of the the rarest case metals for reference 565. Predominantly manufactured in yellow gold, the model was also cased in stainless steel for a sporty and robust take on the gentleman's time-only wristwatch. The reference was first launched in 1938, and featured a plethora of dial and hand variations, making it one of Patek Philippe's most diverse and wide ranging models. Reference 565 featured either sweep center seconds, or a subsidiary seconds register situated above 6 o'clock.

    The present watch is a very unusual and attractive variant of the early Calatrava wristwatch. The dial most notably has been preserved in excellent condition. The two-tone design features Arabic numerals and is incredibly striking, with the outer ring slightly brushed and most silver in nature than the rest of the dial. The long signature is correct for the manufacture date, and the enamel is raised and incredibly strong. The comma between "Patek, Philippe" is present, as is the accent in "Genève" signature.

    A pleasing detail is the 'Serpico y Laino' signature at the center of the dial under the hands, signifying the watch was retailed at the esteemed Venezuelan retailer. One can conclude that the dial has been conserved in such beautiful condition due to loving care, and the dust cap along with screw down waterproof case back protecting the watch from the harsh elements.

    Preserved in attractive and original condition, the case features sharp finishes and crisp edges. The bezel is especially impressive, retaining its original proportions. Most interestingly, the inside case back is not stamped with the reference number, which is correct for stainless steel examples from the period.

    With an array of interesting details, this watch is an attractive and rare example, sure to delight scholars and collectors. It is furthermore the first example of a reference 565 retailed at Serpico y Laino to ever appear on the market.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Ref. 565
A very rare and highly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with two-tone dial, retailed by Serpico y Laino

1948
34.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed, dial further signed Serpico y Laino

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€46,300-92,600
$49,500-99,100

Sold for CHF63,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017