Patek Philippe & Co, "565 Steel", "Sector Dial", ca 1943.

Introduced around 1938, the Patek Philippe reference 565 is widely regarded as one of the most significant time-only wristwatches of the pre-war era. It was among the first Patek Philippe models to feature a screw-down caseback, marking an important step towards water resistance and durability — qualities seldom associated with the brand’s refined dress watches of the time.

Crafted in stainless steel, the reference 565 represented a bold departure from the precious metals typically used by Patek Philippe. Its robust 35 mm case with thick, downturned lugs gave it a modern, utilitarian presence, while the screw-back construction protected the manual-winding caliber 12-120, one of the manufacture’s finest hand-finished movements.

The present example features a sector dial, one of the most celebrated and visually balanced designs of the 1930s. The precise division of the dial into concentric rings and crosshair segments exemplifies the geometric minimalism of the Art Deco period, offering both technical clarity and aesthetic harmony. The dial bears the desirable “long signature”, reading “PATEK PHILIPPE & Co.” — a detail found on earlier examples. Around 1949, the firm transitioned to the shorter “PATEK PHILIPPE” signature, making dials such as this one particularly appealing to collectors.

Beyond its design, the ref. 565 holds historical importance as a precursor to Patek Philippe’s later “sportier” Calatrava models, such as the references 2508 and 570. Some period examples were even supplied to military officers during the Second World War — a testament to the model’s practical and resilient construction.

Today, the stainless steel ref. 565 with sector dial stands as a cornerstone of vintage Patek Philippe collecting. It bridges the gap between the brand’s early classical elegance and its later pursuit of technical innovation, embodying a rare combination of functionality, design purity, and historical significance.