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Patek Philippe Calatrava 18K YG (Ref. 570) 'Cal. 27SC', 1960s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Patek Philippe Calatrava 18K YG (Ref. 570) 'Cal. 27SC', 1960s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe (maker)
Date
1960s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 35 mm
Stock no.
PPC570-2
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (PPC570-2)
Catalogue title (original)
1960s Patek Philippe Calatrava 18K YG (Ref. 570) 'Cal. 27SC' W/ Box & Papers (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number PPC570-2), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1960s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 35 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

'You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.’ — Patek Philippe started this now ubiquitous marketing campaign in 1966 and never looked back, though they already had an outstanding legacy since the watchmaker was founded in the year 1839. Patek built its reputation on several foundational pillars: tradition, innovation, and excellence, all of which are paramount in every timepiece they make, both old and new. If it weren't for the Nautilus or Grand Complications series, Patek Philippe would undoubtedly be best known for the Calatrava. The Patek Philippe Calatrava is the truest representation of the classic dress watch, and was first introduced to the world in 1932 with the model reference 96. The sleek, round cases of the Calatrava often feature extremely simple, yet perfectly executed designs with elegant dials that lack all unnecessary obstructions. A true "must-have" for any Patek collector or dress watch aficionado. While there are nearly countless options and iterations of Patek's classic dress watch line, the early references have captured the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike, with the ref. 570 being one of the most coveted and celebrated models in the iconic lineage. Introduced in 1938, the Calatrava ref. 570 was the second Calatrava created by Patek Phillipe, and in many ways a continuation of the original Calatrava design, but with the increased case proportions of just over 35mm. Of the 2000 estimated examples produced, there were five metals used for the reference 570, including steel, 18K white, yellow, and rose gold, and platinum, with numerous variations of dial configurations featuring both center seconds and subsidiary seconds options. The example presented here employs the Cal. 27 SC movement, which is manual winding with center seconds and is cast of 18K yellow gold with a classic dial, achieving the Calatrava aesthetic in its purest form. SPECS Stock # PPC570 Brand Patek Philippe Style Calatrava Model 570 Serial 70XXXX / 31XXXX Size Men's Material 18K Yellow Gold Dial Silver Millimeters 35 Strap 2pc Handmade Lizard Leather Strap W/ 18K YG Patek Philippe Tang Buckle CASE & BRACELET The well-preserved and beautiful 18K yellow gold case retains crisp edges and factory dimensions while exhibiting only nominal evidence of prior polishing and gentle signs of use. The case retains its original crown adorned with the Patek Philippe cross, which features a warm patina. The case back retains strong dimensions and crisp finishing throughout, with minimal wear present. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc black alligator leather strap with the original 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe tang buckle. DIAL & HANDS The original satin silver dial, featuring pronounced hard enamel text, is stunningly well-preserved, offering a classic aesthetic with a drilled minute track and bullit-style hour markers, while exhibiting no damage or notable age. The original yellow gold dauphine hands with center seconds are also in remarkable condition. ACCESSORIES The watch comes as a complete set, including its original inner and outer boxes, Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, and original certificate envelope bearing the serial number of the watch. The watch is keeping time, though the service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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