Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe

Ref 565

565

1950

35mm 18ct yellow gold water resistant case in perfect mint condition, original winding crown, perfect gold mark, sapphire crystal, screw-down case back

Original silver dial with raised gold Arabic 3 9 12 and baton numerals, sub seconds ring, gold hands

Crocodile strap with the original 18ct gold buckle

This beautiful example of a the Patek 565 comes in perfect condition, the case virtually untouched with a perfectly stamped gold mark at the side indicating it has never been polished. It comes with an orange leather Patek Philippe box and the Extract from the archives. 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 case back. 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 Arabic dial The case is furthermore preserved in excellent, unpolished condition, evidenced by the thick lugs and bezel and perfect gold mark. 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.