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Lot Essay
Stunningly attractive, the present watch is an extremely rare and stunning example of reference 565, one of only a handful known publicly in steel with a black dial and baton indexes. Moreover, the dial is fully confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. With two-piece water-resistant stainless steel case, reference 565 is considered one of the most appealing vintage Patek Philippe time-only references thanks to its large dimensions and classical looks.
The presence of a Black dial on any vintage steel cased Patek Philippe watch is considered legendary by collectors, uniting two of the rarest and most sought-after traits to be found in any Patek Philippe model.
Black dials were almost never offered as a standard option, usually reserved only for special orders, they are consequently exceedingly rare. From our research, most of the very few known pieces with black dial and steel cases, both wrist and pocket watches, were made and sold between 1938 and 1945 – the years of World War II. This includes wristwatch references 530, 565 and 1503 all existing with black dials on a very small number of watches. The reason for the production of this small cluster of steel watches with black dials in the late 30s and through the 40s is interesting to contemplate, was it perhaps that some clients wanted to appear less ostentatious and more discreet during wartime whilst at the same time enjoying the ultimate luxury of a Patek Philippe watch?. Furthermore, in relationship to the price of the watch, the difference in cost between a steel and a gold case was negligible and therefore the choice of a steel case was certainly no cost saving exercise. Whatever the reason, the legacy is a small and rarefied group of watches, including the present watch, that are amongst the most desirable of all Patek Philippe timepieces.
Reference 565
The first large water-resistant watch featuring a two-piece case with screw back and dust cover, the reference 565 was launched in 1938. Available with either subsidiary or sweep centre seconds, the first series of the reference was launched in 1938 with the calibre 12-120. The two-piece 35 mm. diameter cases with screw back of the reference 565 were made by Taubert, a company specializing in waterproof cases since the end of the 19th century. Throughout the years, Taubert have been known for providing an important number of waterproof cases to Patek Philippe, including the celebrated reference 1463. The dials of the reference 565 were made by Stern Frères.
The presence of a Black dial on any vintage steel cased Patek Philippe watch is considered legendary by collectors, uniting two of the rarest and most sought-after traits to be found in any Patek Philippe model.
Black dials were almost never offered as a standard option, usually reserved only for special orders, they are consequently exceedingly rare. From our research, most of the very few known pieces with black dial and steel cases, both wrist and pocket watches, were made and sold between 1938 and 1945 – the years of World War II. This includes wristwatch references 530, 565 and 1503 all existing with black dials on a very small number of watches. The reason for the production of this small cluster of steel watches with black dials in the late 30s and through the 40s is interesting to contemplate, was it perhaps that some clients wanted to appear less ostentatious and more discreet during wartime whilst at the same time enjoying the ultimate luxury of a Patek Philippe watch?. Furthermore, in relationship to the price of the watch, the difference in cost between a steel and a gold case was negligible and therefore the choice of a steel case was certainly no cost saving exercise. Whatever the reason, the legacy is a small and rarefied group of watches, including the present watch, that are amongst the most desirable of all Patek Philippe timepieces.
Reference 565
The first large water-resistant watch featuring a two-piece case with screw back and dust cover, the reference 565 was launched in 1938. Available with either subsidiary or sweep centre seconds, the first series of the reference was launched in 1938 with the calibre 12-120. The two-piece 35 mm. diameter cases with screw back of the reference 565 were made by Taubert, a company specializing in waterproof cases since the end of the 19th century. Throughout the years, Taubert have been known for providing an important number of waterproof cases to Patek Philippe, including the celebrated reference 1463. The dials of the reference 565 were made by Stern Frères.