The Patek Philippe Calatrava: Timeless Elegance in Dress Watches
When it comes to sheer elegance, minimalistic watchmaking engineering, and timeless design, few watches come close to the Patek Philippe Calatrava. It is an excellent example of the company's dedication to exemplary craftsmanship and classical design. The name of the watch was inspired by the company's legendary emblem – the Calatrava cross. This further signifies just how important and elemental the watch series is to Patek Philippe.
It's an iconic dress watch that elegantly screams "less is more". The standard versions of the Calatrava are designed with a jet black or white dial with beautiful yet simple Dauphine dial hands and stick markers. The rarer editions of the series are made with even higher quality and precious materials with metal casings, adding more prestige and depth to these excellent timepieces.
Looking into The Calatrava's History
As revered, cherished, and successful as Patik Philippe is today, the company did go through some turbulent times during the 20th century. However, even then, the brand never compromised on the quality of the materials used and the fine craftsmanship, continuously creating works of art that transcended expectations, were loved by everybody, but would only be afforded by a few.
Introduced in 1932, the Calatrava was designed with even more attention to detail compared to the brand's equally complicated models with the hopes of quickly increasing their customer demographics. It is important to understand that this was an era when wristwatches didn't manage to grasp a mass-market demand, although World War 1 would change that. At the time, people were looking for watches that offered precision and reliability, and there's no question that Patek Philippe watches delivered on both these fronts.
A Benchmark of Elegance
The Patek Philippe Calatrava, despite purposely boasting an understated design, has a certain form of elegance unmatched by a lot of contemporary timepieces in the market. For instance, the Calatrava Reference 96 is considered by many vintage watch collectors, enthusiasts, and investors as the epitome of the ultimate dress watch. In addition, it is also one of the very first dress watches launched by the company that also had a numbered reference to the brand's timepieces.
The core concept of the watch was heavily influenced by the Bauhaus principle of "form follows function". The Reference 96 along with the modern versions of the watch all have minimalist designs, focusing on the essence and functionality of the legendary timepiece. This is also one of the many reasons why Patek Philippe has kept the design principle unchanged for more than 90 years since the first Calatrava was unveiled to the world.
The Allure of the Design
One of the most beautiful and distinguishable attributes of the Calatrava is its sublimely and impeccably polished bezel. Throughout the many variations launched over the years, the only major change to the men's Calatrava was the casing size. The company produced bigger case sizes due to the growing demand and attraction of bigger cases throughout the world. Originally, the Calatrava came with a 35mm case size. However, with time, Patek Philippe introduced Calatrava watches with a 39mm case size to keep both vintage watch lovers and people who like to wear slightly bigger watches happy.
Today, you can find a variety of Calatrava models that have been designed in a slew of materials and boast different complications. However, the overall design and structure of the watch remains the same. In addition, some Calatrava models also come in a decorated bezel, featuring a calendar function, and have a small intricate seconds-hand. A good example is the Calatrava 5123R, which was launched in 2012. This variation had a small sub-dial intricately placed above the 6 o'clock indicator. It also came in a super rare rose gold opaline dial.
The Painstaking Process of Making Patek Philippe Watches
A lot of time, resources, and skills go into manufacturing avant-garde Patek Philippe watches. And for investors and collectors, the very fact that it takes years for Patek watches to be produced is among the main reasons why they are so valuable. For instance, Rolex makes hundreds of thousands of watches every year. Compared to that, Patek Philippe makes just 60,000 watches a year – and it's not that the company can't make more watches, it's just that for Patek Philippe, it's all about value and prestige.
According to the president of Patek Philippe, Theirry Stern, manufacturing PP watches in bulk would negatively impact the quality, precision, and craftsmanship of the complications and other immensely technical features. You have to understand that these watches are built to last a lifetime. The company values precision, service, and elegance above everything else. It's mind-boggling that it can take the company a handful of years to make simple movements, such as in the Patek Philippe Calatrava.
Unmatched Dedication to Quality and Aesthetic Brilliance
The sheer meticulousness and attention to detail poured into the production of each Patek Philippe watch is incredible. The company is known for its peerless expertise and craftsmanship. In addition, the brand still develops cases using traditional techniques that can be traced back to the early 19th century. The skill and artistry have been passed down in the Patek Philippe family for generations.
Their complications and movements, like the rest of the elements of each unique timepiece in every Patek collection, are assembled and built in-house (although they also incorporate the use of high-tech machinery). However, every item goes through a top-notch level of finishing and gem setting that is very hard to find in many other equally renowned watch brands. It's also astonishing to know that the dial alone may take anywhere from 4 to 6 months to be manufactured, going through hundreds of individual processes.
The Desirability Factor of the Calatrava
The growing demand for the Patek Philippe Calatrava is primarily fueled due to its beautiful yet very minimalistic design. These timepieces are the very symbol of class and refinement. From a much bigger perspective, the Calatrava is also the typical and benchmark dress watch that has paved the way for a variety of other watch companies to follow. In addition, the watch is also a pretty important part of watchmaking history, a time-honored iconic piece that has been and will be passed down from one generation to the next. This alone is proof of the watch's timeless construct and prestige.
Celebrities Who Wear the Patek Philippe Calatrava
Ed Sheeran
Celebrated artist, Ed Sheeran is perhaps one of the most successful singers of the last ten years. Sheeran has won countless awards throughout his colorful career. He has won 6 Brit Awards, 4 Grammy Awards, and 2 MTV awards. While he is a passionate singer and songwriter, he is also known for his taste and collection of several high-end luxury watches. Among them is the Patek Philippe Calatrava. Apart from that, Sheeran is also the proud owner of the Split Seconds Chronograph and the Grand Complications.
Conor McGregor
Next on the list is none other than Connor McGregor. The former UFC champion is the first in UFC history to win the championship belt in both the Featherweight and Lightweight weight classes back-to-back. The Irish-born tough guy is popular for his luxurious lifestyle, opulence, and extravagant style, which is also why it isn't a surprise that he owns a couple of pretty high-end Patek Philippe watches. Among his collection is also the iconic Rose Gold Calatrava 5180. It's the company's skeletonized variant of the legendary Calatrava series that features beautiful decoration and hand engraving.
Brad Pitt
Winner of two Academy Awards, one for best supporting actor in The Big Short and the other for best film (12 Years a Slave), Brad Pitt is among the most popular and celebrated Hollywood superstars in the world. With a successful film career, Pitt has starred in more than 60 movies. Moreover, he is also known for his love for luxury watches and has been seen wearing iconic Patek Philippe watches. It is also said that Brad Pitt purchased a Patek Philippe Calatrava at an auction.
Jay-Z
Rapper sensation and music producer, Jay-Z is a successful artist and entrepreneur who has won 3 American Music Awards and is also known for producing several talented and popular rappers and artists, such as J. Cole, Just Blaze, Beanie Sigel, and countless others. However, the rapper is also known for his elegant tastes in top-notch luxury watch brands, such as Patek Philippe, and has also been seen wearing the iconic Calatrava.
Robert Downey Jr.
While Robert Downey Jr. has starred in many blockbuster film franchises, he is more popularly known for his iconic role as Iron Man. The Hollywood A-lister and producer has also received a variety of different awards and accolades, which also includes 3 Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In addition, Downey Jr. also has countless nominations to his name as well. However, the celebrated actor is also known for his collection of pricey Patek Philippe watches and has also been spotted wearing the Calatrava and the iconic Nautilus.
Some Powerful Reasons to Consider Buying a Patek Philippe Watch
Superior Design
While Patek Philippe watches are also lauded and desired for how they look from the outside, the real beauty and elegance lie in the complications and movements of all their watches. It is important to understand that every Patek Philippe watch is crafted and hand-finished with painstaking precision, hundreds of hours, and several quality control processes. Even the hour, minute, and seconds hands are hand-polished. Moreover, Patek Philippe watches are also popular for their faceted batons, a testament to their utter uniqueness and peerless innovation.
Comprehensive Watch Archives
When you buy a Patek Philippe, you're buying class, and prestige, and will be a part of the brand's heritage. This is evident by the fact that the company has hundreds of years of searchable archives and watch records, going back to the original date of some of the company's earliest watches, manufactured in 1839.
Built In-House
Another reason why Patek Phillipe watches are treasured and desired all over the world is that every single process from the inception of the design to the final product and various processes in between is done in-house. Many luxury watch brands outsource their production, but not Patek Philippe. They are known for creating works of art, hand-polishing, and assembling hundreds of pieces to make one legendary masterpiece.
A Sense of Royalty
Patek Philippe watches have been worn by British royalty. The late Queen Elizabeth II was seen wearing the PP reference 4975/IG at a royal event. It is vital to keep in mind that Patek Philippe watches aren't your standard timepieces available everywhere in the market. They're an investment and iconic treasures that appeal to those who want to feel unique and luxurious.
Historical Excellence
Dating back to the early 19th century, Patek Philippe watches have always made a quintessential contribution to the dated and modern watch industry and the art of horology. Wearing a Patek is a privilege, it is a statement that shows the appreciation of the individual to the hundreds of years of avant-garde watch concepts and engineering that have been preserved by the company.
Should You Consider Buying a Preowned Patek Philippe Watch?
With only 60,000 coming out every year, it can be difficult to obtain a Patek Philippe watch due to its high demand and scarcity. That's why it can be an excellent idea for both men and women to consider pre-owned Patek Philippe watches. The market for pre-owned Patek Philippe watches is full of iconic editions (even vintage and discontinued models) that you can consider investing in. However, it is also equally important to be aware that there are fake Patek Philippe watches on the market. As it can be difficult to prove the authenticity of an original Patek Philippe, it is very important to purchase PP watches from trustworthy and experienced watch dealers such as Avi & Co.
Bottom Line
Whether you're in the market for a vintage Patek Philippe watch or the beautiful Patek Philippe Calatrava, Avi & Co. has a limited collection of exquisite Patek timepieces that can be worth your investment. Visit one of our boutique showrooms located in NYC, Miami, and Aspen if you're looking to buy your first Patek or want to add to your collection.