Patek Philippe

• cal. 12'''120, manual winding nickel lever movement, 18 jewels • metal dust cap • silvered two-tone dial, applied Arabic and pointed baton indexes, engine turned subsidiary seconds • stainless steel case, screw-down back, faceted bezel • case, dial and movement signed

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. Movement running while cataloguing. Dial with marks and cracks due to age, possibly restored. Case with many scuffs and scratches throughout but still with generous proportions and sharp lugs. Extremely rare opportunity to acquire a "box and (fragile) paper" stainless steel ref. 565. Very conservative estimate. Highly recommended. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to important notices for further information.**
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Production of reference 565 began in 1938. As a result of its large size and water-resistant type case, it was dubbed the "Grande Calatrava Etanche" in opposition to the reference 438. The cases of the 565 were made by Taubert, a company specialised in waterproof cases since the end of the previous century. The dials were made by the renowned Stern Frères.

The current lot is an exceptional example of the model, bearing a rare two-tone dial and a steel case that retains excellent definition despite its age.
This watch is further distinguished by coming with its original Certificate of origin and its presentation case.

It has to be considered as an extremely rare opportunity for a collector to acquire this iconic reference "with box and papers". To the best of our knowledge this watch has never before been presented at auction.