Patek Philippe Calatrava 565

Patek Philippe Calatrava 565A HP Breguet Dial Stainless Steel

Released in 1932 and named after the cross that the Calatrava Knights paraded around Spain and Portugal during the 12th and 13th centuries, the Patek Philippe Calatrava was released as a simple timepiece with broad appeal that would help secure Patek Philippe's finances following Jean and Charles Henri Stern's investment in the brand in the same year. Designed with a strict Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic in mind, the Calatrava used, and continues to use, simplicity as its means of establishing intrigue around the craftsmanship required to construct such a stunning timepiece. Without a complicated movement or a busy design, collectors gravitate towards the Calatrava's clean aesthetic and practicality, and the ref. 565 we have here embodies that same design language perfectly. Launched in 1938 alongside the ref. 570, the ref. 565 was a larger version of the original Calatrava (the ref. 96) with a 35.5mm case instead of the 31mm used by the ref. 96. Designed as a sportier watch, it was the first Patek to feature a screw-down caseback and offer its wearer some water resistance, making it far more capable than most other dress watches at the time. Still practical for a modern collector, the ref. 565 merges the Calatrava's original design brief in its purest form with a diameter that contemporary collectors can enjoy to this very day. Brand : Patek Philippe Dimensions : 35.5mm Model : Calatrava Movement : Manual-wind cal. 12-400 Reference : 565 Bracelet : Leather strap Year : Circa 1950s Condition : Very Good Material : Stainless steel Included : Watch only Dial Color : Silver THE DIAL Boasting a silver Breguet numeral dial that perfectly matches its stainless steel case, this ref. 565A is a wonderful example of Patek's mid-century watchmaking prowess with its bright hands, applied Breguet numerals, and small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock, as powered by its manual-wind cal. 12-400 movement below. THE CONSTRUCTION Nicknamed the "Calatravone," the ref. 565 has its large 35.5mm case diameter to thank for its nickname and outstanding, and rather contemporary, fit on the wrist. In addition to its larger size, it was also the first Patek to feature a screw-down caseback. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.