Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Calatrava 40930144/AS06509

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 3574A, dates to circa the 1970s and features a 35mm stainless steel cushion case with an acrylic crystal, a signed crown, a screw-down case back, a polished stainless steel bezel, and the standout feature — a stunning and mesmerizing satin blue sigma dial with applied white gold baton indices with a hobnail finishing and a matching guilloché stick handset. Powered by Patek Philippe's hand-cranking Calibre 23-200, this piece remains in outstanding overall condition.

With just a few hundred examples produced in steel between circa 1970-1974, this once upon a time a cult classic is breaking out and becoming a widely sought after Reference, and rightfully so.

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 outstanding condition overall showing light signs of wear from age and use. Satin blue 'sigma' dial with applied 'hobnail/baton' indices is in equally excellent condition with matching handset. Signed crown.