Patek Philippe 565J Calatrava withe the rare 12"' SC Center Sweep Second, Circa 1942

Introduction: 

This watch is in the founders Iconic collection of Patek Philippe watches and not for sale.

Patek Philippe 565J Vintage Calatrava measuring 35mm, water resistant screw down case.  The watch was made in 1942 and was fitted with a 12"120 SC 18-jewel movement.  The watch is unpolished and further has an original guilt dial with a beautiful patina, raised gold Breguet numbers, radium dots and blue steel radium hands.  The watch is further accompanied with an Patek alligator strap, Original vintage Buckle, and an extract from the archives confirming its date of manufacture and further sale.

Collectors Information:  This example is a 1st series watch and quite rare due to the original dial, Breguet numbers and Radium dots and hands.  The movement is also quite rare and of Horological importance.  The The movement 12"120 SC was the first movement with the sweep second hand.  Later it was replaced by the 27 SC.  Facts; original crown, dial, hands, case and buckle.

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 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 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.