hello everyone.
It's been raining a lot recently, and there have been major disasters in Western Japan, so it's been a worrying time, but how are you all doing? The Olympics are over, and I feel like there's a hole in my heart, but the Paralympics will be held from the 24th (Tuesday), so I'm looking forward to seeing some exciting games there as well.
Well, today I would like to introduce a rare limited edition Patek Philippe watch that I love. Please enjoy until the end.
Calatrava "Ref. 5565A-001" Geneva Salon Limited Edition
In 2006, the Patek Philippe Salon in Geneva, Switzerland, was completely renovated and the Geneva Salon Limited Edition (stainless steel version), the Calatrava "Ref. 5565A-001", was announced to commemorate its reopening. This model is limited to 300 pieces.
At the same time, the Gondolo "Ref. 5105P" with a platinum case was also released in a limited run of just 100 pieces.
*Reference: PHILLIPS
The model that inspired this is said to be the "Ref. 492" with a rectangular case that was born in 1937, and the movement it is equipped with is a reproduction of the "Cal. 9-90" that was installed in the model at that time, and can be seen through the sapphire crystal back. It has been exhibited at overseas watch auctions in the past, but it is rare to see it on the market, so it is a model that we would like to carry at Commit in the future.
Returning to our original discussion, the case design of the "Ref. 5565A-001" we are introducing this time is inspired by the antique Calatrava "Ref. 565," which many of you may already know.
*Reference: PHILLIPS
It is a popular model that was produced from the late 1930s to the late 1960s, with a large case of 35.5mm for the time and a highly waterproof screw back. This antique Calatrava. There are very few SS (stainless steel) models, and those with Breguet indexes or original black dials in good condition have been selling at overseas watch auctions, fetching astonishing amounts of money.
As mentioned above, another notable feature of this "Ref. 5565A-001" is that it uses SS (stainless steel) as the case material.
Patek Philippe watches have mostly used gold or platinum materials for the cases. Nowadays, they use stainless steel (SS) materials, mainly for sports models such as the popular "Nautilus" and "Aquanaut", but other antique and rare pieces that use stainless steel (SS) materials are particularly popular at overseas watch auctions.
The case has a heavy bezel-less design reminiscent of the "Ref. 565," and the crown is mushroom-shaped, which was also used in the "Ref. 565." It makes it easier to wind by hand, and the Calatrava cross on the crown gives it an elegant look.
The dial is also designed as a homage to the "Ref. 565", with a two-tone color scheme, understated Arabic indexes, and bar indexes. The hands are also unique, with luminous material that can be seen in antiques.
The back cover also features a screw-back reminiscent of the "Ref. 565".
It is engraved with the dates of 1839 , when Patek Philippe was founded, 1892, when the company purchased the workshop it had been renting and renovated it with the most advanced equipment and style of the time, and 2006, when the Geneva Salon was completely renovated. Of course, the building is the Geneva Salon.
What makes this model special is that in addition to the original warranty, it comes with an Attestation (certificate of limited edition). It states that it was specially produced in 2006 in a limited run of 300 pieces, and also lists the name of the person who purchased it. It may sound exaggerated, but it shows that Patek Philippe only sold it to select individuals.
The box also has a compact square design, but it was made specially for this model, and the "Ref. 5565A-001" peeking through the window is very charming.
With limited edition models, one may be concerned about the condition of the accessories, but this one had all been stored in good condition.
summary
Was it good?
Unfortunately, at the time of this introduction, the sale had already been decided, and I knew that I would not be able to show you the actual watch, but I really wanted to write about this model in my discussion of Patek Philippe, so I decided to write about it. I apologize.
However, it was just that attractive a watch. It was a watch that you rarely get the chance to see or even know about. And I wanted to share this watch with as many people as possible. That's all there is to it.
We will continue to actively handle and introduce rare models like this, so please look forward to it.
see you!