Introduction:
Patek Philippe 565R Vintage Calatrava in 18K Rose gold, Arabic numeral dial, water resistant screw down back. This example is not over polished or restored, original dial.
Well preserved case, with strong hall marks. The watch is fitted with an 12"120 caliber movement # 946868 Case # 655141. The watch was made in 1949. The watch is further accompanied with a brown alligator strap, Patek Vintage buckle, and an extract from the archives confirming its date of manufacture and further sale in 1950
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 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.