Patek Philippe

For those that are unfamiliar with vintage Patek, the reference 565 was produced from 1938 until 1952 and is a time only reference that was made in both center (12-120SC / 27SC) and sub (12-120 / 12-400) seconds variations. It's 35mm case was produced by famed casemaker Taubert & Fils aka Taubert Frères S.A. (who bought Francois Borgel's company from his daughter Louisa in 1924 but that is a discussion for another day) and is stamped with both the famous FB key and Taubert's Key of Geneva No. 11. 

The two-piece case with screw-in decagonal caseback and cork stem seal (both developed by Taubert not Borgel, but still called a Borgel case, again another day, lol) is the first "waterproof" case used by Patek (not technically true but you get it) in what was Patek's sportiest watch of the time - The co-developed and revered 35mm reference 570 (an upsized ref 96 for those counting) was a decidedly dressy calatrava and not water resistant.

One of the joys and perhaps a reason for it's popularity (outside of quasi-modern case size) was the fantastic number of iterations the reference could have. It was made primarily in yellow gold followed by steel and finally rarely in pink/rose gold. I'm unaware of any made in either white gold or platinum. Dials are seen in white, silver/champagne, black and pink(!) While dial designs run the gamut from applied batons, Breguet numerals, 12/3/9 "explorer" style (as seen below), evens only Arabic (as also seen in the modern revival LE ref 5565), full Arabic, 3/6/9/12 Arabic sector, roman explorer, minute tracks, no minute tracks, radium markers, I mean it's kinda wild. Hands were known to be feuille/leaf (as seen below), dauphine, straight baton, radium filled syringe, and pencil. 

Of the approximately 137 watches sold at auction since 2005, the irony is that most are the rarer stainless steel and pink gold varieties. Apparently, the unloved yellow gold isn't worthy and that's okay with me. 

Well enough chit-chat. Have a look into the past! Also apologies for the potato quality pics, I'll be sure to swap in some sexy HD macro shots when I get around to it!

[Further pictures included -- FabR (moderator)]

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