570G, Calatrava, White Gold

The ref. 570 is mid-century Patek Philippe distilled to nothing more than what needs to be there. This white gold example is characteristic of some of the simplest design that ever left Geneva. Following the 31mm 96, the 570 embraced more generous 35.5mm proportions, which has seen more gracefully adapt to contemporary wearing. It has presences without sacrificing any restraint: halfway between classic and modern, perennially timeless. 

The first series of 570 began production in 1939 with calibre 12-120 SC, later updated in 1950 to this 27 SC. The 27 SC utilized direct centre seconds, where the 12-120 was indirect centre seconds. The 27 SC stacked the 2nd and 4th wheels on the same axis, which was more efficient overall. It was a simpler train with fewer parts and increased reliability. Both sport very elegant bridge shapes and classical Genevan finishing technique. 

The 570 was manufactured in all golds, platinum, and steel. This 18k white gold is certainly one of the most seen in the reference, but also its most subdued metal. Dial variations ranged from Roman, Arabic, or Breguet in numerals, or baton indices. While various handsets exist, this dauphine handset is certainly the strongest, with a larger size and central bevel. This dial is an engraved enamel with sunburst in silver, which has slightly warmed over time and is undoubtedly one of the most attractive examples you’ll see in standard white gold models. 

The 570 finds itself quite compelling in the modern era for two reasons. It is caught between the warmth of vintage construction yet offers more contemporary proportions. The lugs are set wide at 20mm, with an immense taper down to a 14mm buckle. The proportions are old-world, scaled up. What remains on this dial in order to tell the time is nothing more than what must be there. The case has no excess. There’s even a hint of purpose with drilled lugs. The 570 is all things to all minimalists, if you’re searching for the most elemental of Calatrava, this is it. 

This 570 presents in an excellent state of preservation, both dial and case. The case is quite sharp, with strong edges everywhere and deep hallmarks on the lug backs. All side and top brushing is present. Its dial is equally lovely, with full enamel in the signature including the accent of Genève. Its calibre 27 SC is running well in specification on our timing equipment. It comes with Extract of Archive and white gold Patek Philippe pin buckle.

This watch is modelled on a slightly smaller than average-sized 6.4 inch woman's wrist.