Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1947 Reference No: 565 Movement No: 960'102 Case No: 647'351 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120 Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed. Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1947 and its subsequent sale on September 18th, 1947.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s reference 565 is one of the greatest time only wristwatches of the 20th century. Released in 1938 and in production until 1952, the reference was available at the same time as other iconic timepieces by the firm, namely the iconic complicated watches of the mid-20th century, such as the perpetual calendar 1526 and 3448, and the perpetual calendar chronograph watches, the 1518 and 2499. It is certainly one of Patek Philippe’s sportier models from this early era thanks to its robust two-piece case construction and screw-down caseback. Not only is it water resistant – something of a rarity in the 1940s, but the model also features an inner soft iron case to shield the movement from the adverse effects of magnetic fields. The outer case is composed of only two parts constructed without the habitual snap-on bezel, further suppressing another entry point of dust and humidity
The model was produced in a variety of combination from stainless steel to yellow and pink gold models, with both center seconds and subsidiary seconds, as well as dials from two-tone, to silvered to pink champagne. The present watch is fitted with a very rare and charismatic dial with radially oriented art-deco style raised, hard enamel hour numerals. The case is furthermore preserved in excellent, unpolished condition, evidenced by the thick lugs and bezel. Along with companion timepieces like the references 530, 570 and 1503, the reference 565 is amongst one of the most collectible and desirable vintage designs today because its modern aesthetic is as valid now as it was in 1938.
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.