Timeless Elegance: Discover the Patek Philippe Calatrava Collection

The Calatrava by Patek Philippe

Patek Philippe’s renowned Calatrava is the quintessential round watch, admired for its clean lines and tidy dial design. Its minimalist style reflects the Bauhaus philosophy of form follows function.

This year, the Swiss manufacturer has expanded its Calatrava collection with three white gold models with modern and graphic style. The ebony black dials display rhythmic geometry and are enhanced with different finishing techniques, while the center showcases an embossed carbon pattern.

Case of the Calatrava Patek Philippe

The Calatrava’s clean lines exemplify the minimalist approach that Patek Philippe is known for. Its understated elegance charms each new generation of watch lovers and continues to stand the test of time.

Patek Philippe makes a relatively small amount of watches each year, far fewer than Omega or Rolex. This focus on slow and considered production means that demand is far higher than supply, resulting in lengthy waiting lists for popular models like the Calatrava.

The Calatrava’s 40 mm case, which is available in white gold, is a flawless fusion of opulence and modernity. The watch’s sleek curved lugs and smooth polished finish soften its overall appearance, while the coin edge pull-out crown adds an element of distinction. This sophisticated design also helps to make the watch look more compact on the wrist. The case is complemented by a strap with a subtle brushed finish. A sapphire crystal exhibition window allows you to admire the self-winding Caliber 324 SC movement at work.

Dial of the Patek Philippe Calatrava

The Calatrava series is the cornerstone of Patek Philippe’s collection. Known as the ultimate dress watch, the collection is an instant signifier of wealth and stature.

While it may not feature the complexity of some of its more renowned siblings, the Calatrava still remains one of Patek Philippe’s most revered watches. The watch features a clean, refined dial with gold applied numerals and markers. Combined with dauphine-style hands, this creates a timeless aesthetic that is both elegant and understated.

Patek Philippe only produces 60,000 watches annually across its entire range. This is a small fraction of what competitors like Omega and Rolex produce, which often leads to a long waiting list for some models.

At this year’s Watches & Wonders, Patek Philippe surprised the industry with a new version of their classic Calatrava Pilot Travel Time model. Using their ultra-thin caliber 31-260 self-winding base movement, the brand added a dual time zone display and 24-hour indicator to the reference 7234.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava Movement

Patek Philippe’s movements are masterpieces of technical and visual perfection. The Calatrava is no exception. First introduced as reference 96 in 1932 under the Stern brothers’ ownership, it is one of the most iconic wristwatch models ever produced. Its name is derived from the Calatrava cross that was a prominent symbol on the flag of the Knights Hospitaller who defended the town of Calatrava in the 12th century.

When it was launched, wristwatches were a rare commodity, and the Calatrava was designed to appeal to a wider audience. Today, it continues to charm a new generation of watch lovers with its simple elegance.

The Calatrava Patek Philippe Strap

Patek Philippe is known for their elegant watches, and the Calatrava is no exception. Originally introduced in 1932, the watch has become an industry icon and the dream watch of many collectors. The watch’s understated design and the simplicity of its dial make it a true classic. It also has a long history, which makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a timeless investment.

The case is made of polished 18kt yellow gold and has a protective case back with a hinge. Its lugs are inspired by those of the reference 96 model and feature an applied yellow gold seconds track and markers. Its movement is self-winding and has a power reserve of 45 hours.

The strap attaches to the case via a spring-loaded bar. The spring can be depressed with a thin tool, making it easier to remove the strap. The watch can be worn with a suit or even a T-shirt and jeans.