Patek Philippe Calatrava

The Calatrava is named after the Calatrava cross. It is the most frequently produced model by Patek Philippe and evidently, it is the flagship model of the company.

The collection honours the Spanish Catholic order of knights that was founded in 1158. The order emblem consists of the greek cross with fleur-de-lis at its ends and came about when the monks of the order rescued the town Calatrava from an Arabic invasion. As a devout Catholic, Antoine Patek was certainly aware of the symbolic value behind the Calatrava cross and chose the symbol to represent his successful company. Since 1887, pocket watches and the following wristwatches by Patek Philippe have been adorned with the Calatrava cross logo. The emblem can be found on the winding crown, the back of the case, and the clasp of the watch.

In 1932, the Reference 96 was introduced and received the symbolic name of Calatrava. Just like the Calatrava cross, the design of the wristwatch is timeless and will last throughout the ages.

The Calatrava models by Patek Philippe delight with unique elegance. They exude the classic Patek Philippe style and the refined design of the timepiece captures the hearts of any generation, allowing it to be passed on from one generation to the next. Be it a model with Clous-de-Paris-decor or an extra-slim or broadly polished bezel, the wristwatches of the collection are versatile in their designs.

1932 marked the year of the Calatrava Reference 96. The legendary timepiece was launched after the Stern family had taken over the Geneva based watch manufacturer.

The refined design of the Calatrava is easily witnessed with a white dial, black roman numerals, a slim bezel, and a black leather bracelet.

Currently, the Calatrava is presented in countless different versions on the second-hand market. Continuing on the path of purist design elements, the exquisite Calatrava 6000G-012 was presented in 2015. The timepiece demonstrates timeless elegance with its blue sunburst and silvery grey dial and its corresponding alligator strap with square scales.

Representing the fascinating world of aviation watches, the Calatrava travel Time Pilot (Ref. 5524G) was presented at Baselworld 2015. The timepiece is comprised of a sleek white gold and prominent design features of the watch include a calf leather strap and a blue varnished dial. Furthermore, the watch is an ideal travel companion since it comes equipped with a dual time zone display as well as “local” and "home" day/night indication apertures on the dial of the watch.

Although Calatrava models are available in a diverse selection of materials and complications, the overall design structure of the model remains relatively sleek and simple. Occasionally, the Calatrava may include a small seconds, a calendar function, or a decorated bezel.

During Baselworld 2012, Patek Philippe introduced the Calatrava 5123R with a small second subdial located just above the 6 o'clock marker. The classic timepiece is comprised of a rare rose gold and silvery opaline dial that measures 38 mm.

Further marked by its simplicity is the white gold Calatrava Ref. 5120G-001 with a Clous-de-Paris bezel and white lacquered dial, which simply displays hours and minutes.

Notable Calatrava models also include the white gold Ref. 5153G-001 and Ref. 5196G-001 that incorporate slightly more complex features such as a date window and a centre sweep second hand.

Calatrava models that turn heads and catch eyes include the Ref. 5297G-001 and Ref. 5298P-012. The former model is comprised of a white gold case and is adorned with 68 diamonds while the latter differs with an exquisite platinum case and a bezel that is set with baguette diamonds.

Whether new, used, or vintage: Calatrava watches are highly valuable timepieces that are thoroughly sought-after by watch aficionados and experts. With a combination of refined design elements, timeless aesthetics, decades of experience with traditional watchmaking and fine craftsmanship, it comes as no surprise that the Calatrava is one of the most valued luxury watch collections worldwide.

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