ref.570
White, Sweep seconds

An extremely fine and very rare 18k white gold manual-winding wristwatch ref.570 with sweep center seconds and "Kodama Yoshio" inscription on the case back.
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch with silvered dial, lapped hour markers and beaded minute track in 1968 and its subsequent sale on July 3rd., 1969.

The case back bears a Japanese inscription which translates to "Gift to Hirai Giichi Zinkei Showa 44, 12/6 (December the 6th, 1969) Kodama Yoshio". An extremely prominent and notorious figure in Japan, Kodama Yoshio (February 18, 1911 – January 17, 1984) was an incredibly active behind-the-scenes power broker in 20th century Japan, controlling much of its underworld and political arena. An ardent nationalist, he was heavily involved in different areas of the Japanese government and even worked with C.I.A. at one point. The present watch must have been a gift from "The Don" to Hirai Giichi, a politician and governor in Japan in 1972, cementing their brotherhood.