Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XI Geneva Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1949
    Reference No: 570
    Movement No: 965'109
    Case No: 637'729
    Model Name: Calatrava
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120PS, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1949 and its subsequent sale on May 16, 1950
    Literature: Similar reference 570s in stainless steel are featured in Patek Philippe Steel Watches by John Goldberger pp. 100-113

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe’s reference 570 is a potent mix of sophistication and simplicity. A rather large watch, it has been nicknamed "Calatravone" (Italian for large Calatrava), its timeless design with large flat bezel and thick lugs made it a staple within the Patek Phillipe catalogue from 1938 till its discontinuation in 1972.

    The reference 570 was cased predominantly in yellow gold and rarely in pink gold, white gold, stainless steel and platinum. The reference featured a multitude of dial variations. While some were fitted with Breguet numerals, others were two-tone in design. The present example from the first series houses the caliber 12’’’120, whilst the second series used the caliber 12’’’400 and the last series used calibers 12SC or 27SC.

    The present example, fresh to the market, is one of only 39 known models (regardless of caliber or dial configuration) housed in stainless steel and is most certainly one of the most charismatic and best preserved examples of a stainless steel reference 570 we have seen. The case exhibits full, thick lugs and incredible proportions. The flat, cylindrical bezel retains sharp definition and the contrasting brushed and satin finishes are still present and strong.

    The dial itself is preserved in beautiful condition, with barely any signs of aging. Furthermore, the hard enamel graphics remain raised and crisp, attesting to the originality of the timepiece.

    A superb watch in every sense, the present reference 570 is a tribute to taste, elegance and refinement.

  • 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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201

Ref. 570
A large, attractive and well preserved stainless steel wristwatch with silver dial

1949
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€27,800-55,600
$32,800-65,600

Sold for CHF87,500

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Geneva Auction 27 - 28 June 2020