cal.215 PS damascened nickel lever movement, 18 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions •  two-tone silvered dial, the matte finishing chapter ring with applied Arabic and baton numerals, separated from the center satin finished silvered dial, luminescent baton hands and outer minute track with dot numerals, subsidiary seconds • polished stainless steel case with down-turned lugs, screw-down back • case, dial and movement signed •  with a stainless steel PP buckle

Rare and Collectable! Manual winding movement running while cataloguing. Two-tone dial is crisp and well-defined, lovely and clean. Two-part stainless steel case and buckle with no significant signs of use, overall appears in unused condition. Movement numbered 1901229, case numbered 4381734 according to certificate. **The leather strap of this watch is made from endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, Instruction Manual, attestation and booklets, within a maroon leather folder.  Further accompanied by a presentation case with outer card box.

The REF. 5565A was produced in a very limited seris of only 300 pieces. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present lot has been offered at auction.

REF. 5565 was launched in a very limited edition set of 300 pieces.  2006 to commemorate the re-opening of the Patek Philippe salons on Rue du Rhone in Geneva.  Inspired by Patek Philippe's 1938 REF. 565, this reference inherits the stainless steel two-part case, in which the bezel and case band constitute one part.  Its manufacture movement, held in high esteem by connoisseurs, is Patek Philippe's caliber 215 PS that was developed in the early 1970s.   

This reference is also distinguished by the two-tone dial; the centerfield with vertical satin finish, combined with the applied black nickel plated gold Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds - a model of legibility.  The screwed steel back is decorated with an engraving of the Patek Philippe building on Rue du Rhone and the inscription "1839 - 1892 - 2006" commemorates the three milestone years:  The founding of Patek Philippe, the building and re-opening of the Salons Patek Philippe.