Introduction
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.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch and Aftermarket 14k Bracelet
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
35.5mm
Model
Calatrava
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 12-120
Reference
565
Bracelet
Unsigned 14kt yellow gold bracelet
Year
Circa 1940s
Condition
Excellent
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Featuring its famed Bauhaus-inspired design language, the Calatrava ref. 565 features a simple dial with just applied faceted hour markers and sharp dauphine hands to add visual interest. However, given its sportier persuasion than other Calatravas at the time, the ref. 565 features a minute track with numerals punctuating every 5 minutes along its dial periphery.
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.
Condition
Watch is in excellent vintage condition. Case exhibits wear with some soft edges along the bezel and case surface. There are scratches and small dings visible, but the hallmakr at the 9 o'clock side remains strong and crisp. Caseback has an illegible engraving that has worn over time. The original dial is in excellent condition with only minor signs of aging. Enameling is strong, and all the print is intact. There are a few very minor imperfections along the printed edge of the dial, visible on the 42 and 43 hash marks. The crystal relfects some lines visible in some of the images, but they are reflections and not dial inperfections. Watch comes on a period unsigned 14k bracelet with 15 links total. It fits a 7" wrist, and shows some stretch.
Our Perspective
A calculated release on Patek's behalf as they noticed the shrinking demand for the ref. 96's small 31mm case, the ref. 565 was Patek's legendary solution to a contentious topic watchmakers still haven't resolved to this day; how big should watches be?
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
