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 conceived 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, Patek 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 is housed in a 37mm rose gold case with a sapphire crystal, a signed, screw-down crown, an opaline dial with a applied rose gold and diamond indices and a matching dauphine handset, and Patek's Calibre 324 automatic-winding movement beating within - as visible through the sapphire display caseback. It comes paired to an alligator strap with a signed rose gold pin buckle. To top it all off, the bezel has received the full diamond treatment.
This piece is essentially a diamond-set variant of the 5107, and it works brilliantly.
Don’t miss your shot to own a beautiful example of one of the watch world’s most timeless models!