The Patek Philippe Calatrava, how we love thee! Shall we compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more… infinitely wearable, timeless, and collection-worthy!
While we could never pick a favorite timepiece from the Avi & Co. collection, the Patek Philippe Calatrava certainly holds a special place in our heart. The elite Swiss brand Patek Philippe is a hallowed horological powerhouse, situated among the watch world’s so-called “Holy Trinity” – Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe.
While the Nautilus might be the most popular Patek Philippe model, the tried-and-true Calatrava has stood the test of time. It is a favorite of artists and celebrities around the globe, and is often considered the flagship dress watch from the brand. By the time you’re finished reading this article, we’re pretty sure you’re going to be head over heels in love with the Calatrava too!
1932: The Year the Calatrava Rocked the World
While Patek Philippe has been around since 1839, it wasn’t until nearly a century later that the watch in question came onto the scene. In fact, 1932 was a big year for Patek Philippe all around. First of all, the Stern family purchased the company and has been involved ever since. But perhaps even more exciting, the company unveiled a watch that would change everything: the Reference 96 Calatrava.
With its simple elegance, timeless silhouette, and precious metals, the Patek Philippe Calatrava was an instant classic. The original Calatrava references were manual – but in 1953, Patek Philippe unveiled the first automatic Calatrava, the Reference 2526. Come the 1970s, the Calatrava was still being manufactured, and one major change occurred that remains popular in today’s Calatrava models as well: the hobnail bezel.
The “hobnail bezel” describes a specific pattern on the bezel that the manufacturer achieves by proprietary guilloching methods. The decorative hobnail bezel added a certain flair to 1970s Calatrava watches, and it is still used today with current reference number 6119.
As the Patek Philippe Calatrava approaches 100 years of production, it’s safe to say this is the ultimate dress watch!
Why We Love the Patek Philippe Calatrava
Why do we love the Patek Philippe Calatrava? Well, let us count the ways… Nope. There are simply too many reasons to count. But for the sake of brevity, we’ll narrow it down to the top five.
#1: The Calatrava Is a Timeless Masterpiece
The round Calatrava wristwatch embodies Patek Philippe’s centuries-old tradition of timeless elegance, striking simplicity, and style that transcends fleeting trends or fads. Put simply, these beautiful watches never go out of style. A Patek Philippe Calatrava is a watch worth passing down for generations – this is an heirloom piece that is sure to become a treasured component of your watch collection.
Patek Philippe knows it, too. One of the company’s favorite marketing slogans is as follows: “You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.” With a Calatrava watch, this sentiment could not be more accurate.
#2: The Calatrava Can Be Dressed Up or Down
The Patek Philippe Calatrava looks just as elegant with a business suit as it does with a casual outfit you might wear around the house. This watch’s perennial style allows it to fit seamlessly into your wardrobe, and it’s sure to become your go-to watch for everyday wear. Plus, Patek Philippe has now expanded the Calatrava line to include some sportier references.
For example, take this Calatrava, which is Reference #6007G. The model adds an athletic flair with yellow stitching on the black calfskin strap and yellow accents on the black dial. It also features a 40 mm face, which is larger than most of the Calatrava watches you will see on the market, especially if you are shopping for vintage models. However, the Reference #6007 still retains the classic elements of the Calatrava line with its circular face and 18K white gold construction (the Calatrava collection has always favored precious metals).
#3: The Calatrava Was Picasso’s Favorite Watch
Pablo Picasso, whom some might say was the 20th century’s most influential artist, is credited with inventing Cubism and creating some 150,000 well-respected works, including Guernica. Picasso was also known to have a large watch collection, with many coveted timepieces from brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Jaeger-LeCoultre.
Of all of these gorgeous timepieces, however, Picasso was most photographed wearing… you guessed it… his Patek Philippe Calatrava! He favored a model with a brown leather strap and a gold case, not unlike the one pictured below. Picasso’s go-to Calatrava is believed to be a 35 mm reference with a yellow gold case and a simple, ivory dial.
#4: The Calatrava Is Expensive… But Not Down-Payment-on-a-Home Expensive
When it comes to luxury watches, “expensive” is a relative term. Heritage watchmakers like Patek Philippe often produce pieces with six-figure price tags. And for vintage models, limited edition pieces, or watches with a certain historical significance, secondary market prices can even fall in the millions! For example, Sotheby’s lists the five most expensive Patek Philippe watches it has ever auctioned. At the top of the list is the Henry Graves Supercomplication watch, which sold for a whopping $24 million in 2014. Second on the list, you’ll find a Patek Philippe Reference 1518 (a “pink on pink” watch), solid for $9 million in 2021.
If you’re looking to purchase a Patek Philippe Calatrava, however, you won’t need to spend even close to that much money. We’re not saying this is a cheap watch – on the contrary! Retail prices for the Patek Philippe Calatrava typically fall between $24,000 and $41,000. On the secondary market, that range can be a bit higher, starting around $30,000 and exceeding $80,000 for more desirable models. Still, this watch occupies an attainable middle ground for many luxury watch collectors. This isn’t a model that will break the bank, but it still carries a lot of prestige and desirability to warrant the price of a small car.
#5: The Calatrava Is a Piece of Patek Philippe’s Legacy
Why should you buy a Patek Philippe Calatrava? Ultimately, you should purchase luxury watches that you like and want to wear – and for many watch collectors, the Patek Philippe Calatrava meets that standard and then some. Plus, it occupies an important part of the Swiss brand’s legacy. It is a well-loved model with a long and storied history, and it is a collectible item that will likely be treasured in your family and passed down for generations to come.
With so many different Calatrava styles and references to choose from these days, there is no doubt that you can find an option that suits you. From the pilot’s watch (pictured above) to the dress watch with a chic yellow gold band (pictured below), the Calatrava line spans a wide range of styles and finishes to cater to virtually every modern watch consumer. You’ll never regret adding one of these timeless watches to your collection.
Is the Patek Philippe Calatrava Worth the Hype?
In our humble opinion, yes – the Patek Philippe Calatrava is worth every ounce of praise and excitement showered upon it! The exclusivity of the Patek Philippe brand (they only make about 60,000 watches each year) combined with their use of top-quality materials, in-house movements, and a storied legacy make this timepiece a must-have for any serious collector.
Ultimately, the question of whether a material good is “worth it” boils down to your own aesthetic preferences, values, and financial priorities. In this situation, however, there is a strong case to be made for the Patek Philippe Calatrava, a watch that offers a lasting legacy and a long history of commercial success. The continued innovation behind this line means that it remains current and high-functioning, perfect for anty modern watch connoisseur.
When you shop on the secondary market from vendors like Avi & Co., you’ll get the chance to explore Calatrava watches from many different years. You’ll be able to access the watch you want, when you want it, without jumping through the hoops imposed by many manufacturers – in fact, Patek Philippe’s waitlist is reported to be nearly 10 years long for its most popular models. Instead of waiting for the company to deem you worthy of one of their watches, take matters into your own hands! Shop Avi & Co.’s entire Patek Philippe collection online now.
The Watches You Want, When You Want Them
Here at Avi & Co., we specialize in the world’s hottest watch brands and models, with a focus on elite labels like Patek Philippe, Rolex, Richard Mille, and Audemars Piguet. If you’re ready to take your watch collection to the next level, come visit us at one of our three luxury boutiques, located in Aspen, Miami, and Manhattan.
What are you waiting for? Make an appointment today!
