If Sir Ian Fleming would have given his British secret service agent ‘double O’ a Patek to carry out his duties – I bet it would have been the 2570-1.*

Rolex may be the king of tool watches, but that is not to say some other brands didn’t make some damn fine tool watches too. While Patek might be best known for the 3417 Amagnetic in steel (the first tool watch from Patek in series) – there is another very fine tool watch that remains a touch more sophisticated and elegant.

It is the 2570-1.

(Picture credit: Christies).

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The 2570-1 is a rare beast and I wrote about it already on this blog last year in 2016.

It was primarily intended for scientists working in magnetic fields and the watch was designed to withstand magnetic influences. For example it is said that this watch can stand up to 450 oersteds or ampere per meter (with oersteds being the measurement of units in a magnetic field named after the Danish scientist Hans Christian Oersted).

The 2570-1 came in two dial layouts, one is the explorer dial layout that is nice (but common and less aesthetically appealing – middle watch in this picture)** and second and my favourite, the less seen and elusive 12 Amagnetic layout with large subsidiary seconds. I find it more harmonious in design. There are several differences between the first tool watch the 3417 and the successor in Gold – the 2570-1:

• The lugs of the 2570-1 are thicker and positioned more on the outside than with the 3417.
• The crown is set slightly into the case with the 2570-1, the 3417 is positioned completely outside
• The 2570-1 was made only in gold and pink gold whereas the 3417 was made only in steel
• The 2570-1 seem to come in two versions in terms of minute /hour hands (stick and leaf hands) – the 3417 come in one version (stick hands only).
• The 2570-1 also was made in far less numbers than the 3417

The 2570-1 (with non – explorer dial) does not come up for sale much. It once appeared in 2010 selling at Christies for CHF 50’000 back in 2010. Then another one appeared at Phillips earlier this year in pink gold and sold for a whopping CHF 150’000 (this watch came with the original certificate though). 

Now a fine 2570-1 is appearing again. 

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On June 21st 2017, (this wednesday), Christies is auctioning off a rare 2570-1 in gold. 

Not only is this watch rare by itself with the non explorer dial layout – but the watch carries a Gübelin signature, sold by the Swiss retailer back in 1961 (the watch was made in 1960). See picture below.

The watch is according to Christies, in superb condition.

The case is untouched and has a nice crisp hallmark to the case. This Patek also still has the inner soft iron cap, a rarity in itself. However, what makes this particular Amagnetic truly great, is the movement. This 2570-1  comes equipped with the improved and later movement 27 AM – 400 (versus the earlier 12 AM). The improved movement was substantial – a newly added Gyromax balance and a free sprung Breguet overcoil, both of which are claimed and proven to improve the stability of movement and accuracy of timekeeping. The last time a similar Patek 2570 sold with improved movement 27 AM -400 was in 2010 and it fetched already then CHF 50’000. 

Estimated at only CHF 15-25’000 -this Patek will in my opinion exceed the high estimate comfortably. Expect the Patek collectors to pay close attention to this rare watch that does not appear at auction very often. I expect this watch to sell within double the estimate CHF 30-50’000 (including commission). 

The 2570-1 is rare, playful, beautiful and an oddity within the Patek family. 

The steel 3417 is the tool watch that Patek is perhaps best known for. And let’s face it, a gold tool watch is indeed a bit odd. But that is perhaps exactly why I like it. While most other tool watches are more robust in nature (I am thinking of an early  6541 Milgauss from Rolex or the Geophysic from JLC), the Patek 2570 is the most elegant tool watch I can think of. It is sophisticated watch with the beautiful Gyromax based 27 AM 400 movement, not to mention the soft iron magnetic case.

If there was ever a watch made for the connoisseur – the 2570-1 would be it. Sophisticated and understated with a lot of technical credibility. I say a perfect tool watch for a British secret Agent who liked Turnbull & Asser shirts, and Dom Perignon to wash down the Beluga caviar.

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*(I could have chosen also the Amagnetic in 3417 in steel but I wanted something a little bit more sophisticated. A very close second would have been the Ref 565 Patek luminous with Breguet numerals in my opinion). ** Credit: Roni

For a full listing of the 2570-1 at Christies this wednesday see link here. Below some additional pictures of the nice 2570-1 Patek that will go under the hammer this Wednesday in NY. All picture credits: Christies / Rebecca Ross.

To start with a nice profile view. Notice the fat lugs and strong case with the hallmark clearly visible without a loupe.

The 2570-1 is special because the crown is set into part of the case unlike the 3417 where it is positioned completely outside.

A front view of the 2570-1 with the playful Amagnetic script writing.

Let us look at the case back more closely. You see still the long signature of Patek with Patek Philippe &Co. Also notice the reference number engraved on the caseback.

Even the buckle of the watch carries the long signature PP co and Gold stamp 750 can be seen.

Another view of the left side of the case. The playful script can be seen on the dial.

One last picture of the crown inset. It think this is one of the most beautiful parts of this watch.