Patek Philippe has long been known for its complicated watchmaking, but following the stock market crash of 1929, fewer clients had the means to purchase these high-end timepieces.
After securing a controlling interest in the firm, Jean and Charles Henri Stern decided to create a simple watch that would come in at a lower price point and appeal to the firm’s clientele. Using the principles espoused by the Bauhaus school and its minimalist, function-first philosophy, the maison conceived the Calatrava, taking its name from the Spanish military order established in the 12th century which had become the symbol of Patek Philippe. Since its debut in 1932, the Calatrava has become a byword for a simple, time-only dress watch — even from brands other than Patek itself.
This particular Calatrava, a Reference 6119R-001, is a contemporary iteration of the famed three-hander and is housed in a 39mm rose gold case with a Clous de Paris textured bezel, a signed crown and a sapphire crystal. The silver tone dial features a grained finish that acts as a canvas for the applied rose gold indices, small constant-seconds subsidiary register and a matching ‘dauphine’ handset.
Powered by the hand-wound Patek Philippe Calibre 30-255 PS movement, this gorgeous dress watch comes paired to a brown alligator leather strap with a signed, 18K rose gold pin buckle. It is accompanied by its leather folio and Certificate of Origin dated 2023.
With its perfectly proportioned case and dial, a simple, timeless design and unobtrusive profile — it’s the perfect wrist-wear for someone whose taste runs classic.