Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1956 Reference No: 570 Movement No: 706'745 Case No: 309'197 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27SC, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K Patek Philippe pink buckle (modern) Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe presentation box and Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1956 and its subsequent sale on February 28th, 1958
Catalogue Essay
Also known as “Grande Calatrava” due to its size, the reference 570, was the first large Calatrava model serially produced by the brand. Today it is considered one of the most elegant time-only Patek Philippe references and is one of the most sought-after dress watches from the mid-20th century.
In production between 1938 and 1972, the reference 570 borrows elements of its case design from the reference 96, the original Calatrava, but it is significantly larger in diameter, measuring 36mm. While it was on the market the reference 570 was the largest time-only Patek Philippe wristwatch, the impression of size being further enhanced by the narrow flat bezel enabling a larger view of the dial.
In excellent condition, still retaining a strong and crisp case, and beautiful silver dial, the present example also features the highly sought-after center seconds configuration, powered by the legendary caliber 27SC, which is considered by collectors as the best center seconds caliber of its time. Double stamped with the Geneva seal, the movement is one of the finest when it comes to finishing quality.
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.