Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1963 Reference No: 570 Movement No: 710'652 Case No: 314'049 Model Name: Calatrava Material: 18K white gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27 SC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPCo Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe presentation box and Certificate of Origin. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in white gold in 1963 and its subsequent sale on 12 October 1963.
Catalogue Essay
This reference 570 is a completely astonishing example. Its impeccable state of preservation truly sets this watch apart from its peers today. It is, in our opinion, unpolished, featuring full, thick lugs, and incredible proportions. All brushed and stain finishes are completely original and display how the watch originally left the Patek Philippe factory. Even the milled finish to the case back is original, displaying a sharp difference in finish to the outer portion. One would expect general wear to dull its proportions, yet this example remains sharp and crisp. The watch features two sharp hallmarks to the back of the lugs, which are so deep and and crisp. The edges of the case are furthermore sharp to the touch.
The dial, too, is preserved in flawless condition with no visible blemishes. This is particularly astounding, considering the watch is fitted with a non-waterproof snap-on case back. Most surviving examples are spotted or tarnished due to exposure to the elements. The enamel signature remains intact and raised, having seen no intervention at all.
Even the inside case back bears no service marks of any kind, signifying the movement has never been intervened at all. One can conclude the present watch sat in a safe for most of its live, having been cherished by its owner.
Most surprising is the presence of the Certificate of Origin, original fitted presentation box and even the original Patek Philippe strap, giving us a plethora of signs as to how a large Calatrava would have been sold over 45 years ago.
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.