If there was one watch by Patek Philippe that could as well be a Rolex, it would be the Ref 565.

The Ref 565 was introduced by Patek in the end 1938, perhaps due to their clients seeking a more sporty watch that can be used outdoors. The Ref 565 was quite a brave step for Patek to be taking. It was its first watch with a screw down caseback ensuring water resistance. It was the first large Calatrava watch by Patek that was made for outdoor activities. I always say to myself if James Bond would be wearing a Patek – this would be this one. Elegant, robust and sporty – this Patek has it all. Connoisseurs and sportsmen like Briggs Cunningham had one. The case was unique and brilliant in design with only a two piece construction (instead of the common 3 piece) and made by legendary Taubert & Fils.

Christies has 3 very interesting models of the 565 coming up for sale in Geneva. Each is beautiful, rare and would make a great addition to any Patek or watch collection.

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Lot 111 Patek 565 in pink gold and signed Serpico & Laino

This 565 is one of the most elegant that I have come across. This is a Le Monde Edmond watch.

Not only is the case in pink gold, the watch has subsidiary seconds, which is the most elegant in my opinion for an evening / sports watch. Furthermore, and this is the icing on the cake, the dial is signed Serpico & Laino. What makes this watch truly special is that it was given to the CEO of the Sinclair Oil company (whose logo was this cute little dinosaur) based in Venezuela in 1950 (Venezuela back in the 1950s and still today is one of the largest oil producers in the world). As many of my blog readers know very well – Serpico was the prestigious retailed based in Venezuela. The story comes together perfectly here. 

In certain ways this is my favourite of the three 565 offered here simply because of the engraving on the back and the story that comes with this watch. The strong estimate reflects both the cool story, the rare signature and the good condition of the watch (case is unpolished showing all stampings).

This 565 is my personal favourite for its sheer elegance and understatement. Plus I love the story.

CHF 60 – 100’000.

Lot 126 Patek 565 in pink gold with explorer dial

There a few dial variations for the 565. One of them is the explorer dial which is seen in this watch.

What makes this watch interesting of-course is the material and dial. Pink gold 565 are rare watches but ones with two tone dials don’t come up for auction often. It is among the most elegant variations of the 565 with the subsidiary seconds. I can’t wait to take a closer look at this watch in person. While I am not crazy about the leaf hands and neither am I about the explorer dial (my favourite is the breguet numeral dial layout) this 565 is worth taking a closer look at simply due to the two tone dial. For full disclosure according to Christies condition reports it states, ‘dial has been cleaned in the past but hard enamel signature remains in tact’.

Estimate is CHF 25 -35’000.

Lot 130 Patek 565 in steel with Breguet numerals

Without a doubt this one of the most attractive configurations of any 565.

Not only is it in steel (after all this is a sports watch) but what I love are the Breguet numerals with central seconds. I normally prefer subsidiary seconds on watches and on the 565, but I make an exception here. Why? Because the subsidiary seconds kind of ‘blocks’ the view of the Breguet numerals on the watch. To understand what I mean, look at the picture here. The number six disappears with subsidiary seconds. It gives it a less fluent or harmonious look if you will.

While I think subsidiary seconds are more elegant, I actually think central seconds might work better for the 565 with Breguet numerals. Although I truly like both versions. For some strange reason you see less central seconds than the subsidiary seconds for the 565 come to the auction market. Only 9 examples have appeared to date with this configuration.

As far as the condition of the watch Christies states: dial is completely original and unrestored but the case has clearly seen some polishing in the past.

Estimate is CHF 40 – 60’000.

 

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(All picture credits: Christies).