Patek Philippe - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1943
    Reference No: 565
    Movement No: 924’122
    Case No: 629’551
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Patek Philippe buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm diameter
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture in 1943 and subsequent date of sale on June 14th, 1944.
    Literature: Similar examples of the reference 565 in stainless steel are prominently illustrated in Patek Philippe Steel Watches, by John Goldberger, pg. 166-195.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe's reference 565 is undoubtedly one of the most iconic time-only watches from the 1940s. This model is not only fitted with a screw down caseback – something of a rarity in the 1940s – but also features an inner soft iron case serving to shield the movement from the adverse effects of magnetic fields. The waterproof case is composed of only two parts, constructed without the commonly used snap-on bezel, further eliminating another entry point of dust and humidity. This early example from 1943 is completely fresh to the auction market, and must be considered as one of the best-preserved reference 565 examples to appear in recent memory. The overall superb, factory original condition of the case along with the luminous Breguet numeral dial and beautiful, blued-steel luminous hands, as confirmed by the Extract from the Archives, is not only extremely rare, but an absolute treat for collectors. The silvered dial is radiant, with all of its original, raised, hard enamel printing crisp and intact. According to scholarship, only six other
    examples with similar dial configuration have appeared on the market. The present lot is a sporty and elegant timepiece that will appeal to the sophisticated collector. It is a breathtaking example of the reference 565 certain to impress even the most demanding connoisseur.

  • 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
An extremely rare and highly attractive stainless steel wristwatch with silvered dial, Breguet numerals, luminous hour markers, and luminous hands.

1943
Case, dial and movement signed
35mm diameter

Estimate
$50,000 - 100,000 
CHF48,700-97,400
€42,600-85,200
HK$390,000-781,000

Sold for $118,750

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017