A paragon of understated elegance and technical innovation, the present Patek Philippe Ref 565 circa 1952 in rose gold with a double-signed Freccero dial stands as a remarkable collector’s piece—uniting rarity, provenance, and historical significance. Launched in 1938, the Ref 565 (so-called “Etanche”) holds the distinction of being Patek Philippe’s first fully waterproof wristwatch housed in a screw-back case. Unlike many of its contemporaries, which favored aesthetics over function, the 565 epitomized a pioneering blend of utilitarian resilience and timeless design.
The case design is distinctly sportier than its contemporary Calatravas, with the lugs blending flush into the bezel and the movement and screw back case sitting below the lugs. This reference served as the blueprint for the limited-edition Ref 5565A that Patek created to commemorate the reopening of their new Geneva salon.
This example, encased in warm 18k rose gold, exemplifies one of the rarest configurations of the model. Although Reference 565 was predominantly manufactured in stainless steel or yellow gold, specimens crafted in rose gold (with fewer than ten made) are exceedingly rare, especially when found in such remarkable condition. The case, featuring bold, sculptural lugs and a robust 35 mm diameter, was gently polished in the past but it retains great lug proportions and a sharp hallmark under the lugs. The rich patina of this timepiece is testimonial to its age and authenticity.
Further elevating its desirability is the presence of the double-signed dial bearing the signature of Freccero—Patek Philippe’s esteemed retailer in Montevideo, Uruguay. Founded in 1868, Freccero is a renowned family-owned jewelry and watch retailer in South America, known for its lasting partnership with Patek Philippe. Freccero reserved the very few double-signed Pateks for their most valued clients, making them highly prized by collectors. The dial itself is a study in refined minimalism, boasting a beautiful completely original opaline finish, applied gold baton indexes, “dauphine” hands, and subsidiary seconds at six o’clock.
A testament to early waterproof watchmaking, offered here is a supremely rare and captivating reference 565—a jewel of Patek Philippe’s mid-century legacy, imbued with character, provenance, and scarcity. This watch comes with a Patek rose gold buckle, a vintage box, and an Extract of Archives from Patek Philippe dated 2020.
Document: Archival Extract from Patek Philippe
Hands: gold Dauphine hands
Metal: 18k Rose gold
Case Info: threeo body, screw back
Case Width: 35.5 mm
Crystal: glass
Watch Movement: Cal. 12-400, 18 jewels, straight line
