Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Calatrava 40930176/AS06957

WHY WE LOVE IT

–

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 enlist the help of an English designer named David Penney 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, Penney 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 3923R, dates to circa 1991 and features a classically sized 32mm 18K rose gold case with an sapphire crystal, an signed crown and a gorgeous, opaline silver dial with applied rose gold indices and a matching dauphine handset, and Patek's Calibre 215 hand-winding movement within.

This lovely piece remains in fantastic overall condition and is accompanied by and Extract from the Archives confirming its production and sale in 1991.

Sure, you could get yourself a modern dress watch that tells the time just fine — and that probably ends up in a drawer after a while.

But a real Calatrava from the world’s greatest watchmaker is forever.

OVERALL CONDITION

The case is in excellent condition overall showing signs of light previous polishing and light wear from gentle use. Opaline silver 'sigma' dial with applied rose gold indices is in equally excellent condition with matching 'dauphine' handset. Signed crown.