An icon, Patek Philippe Calatrava

The iconic Patek Philippe Calatrava is considered to be the most classic men’s watch to date. It was manufactured in 1932, 64 years after Patek Philippe invented the first wristwatch in history.

The collection includes high-end Swiss-made watches with classic designs. They are the kind of watches that are meticulously created and maintain the historical legacy of Swiss watchmaking.

Although the Patek Philippe Calatrava model has had several modifications and versions over the years, as well as several new series, it has been, and always will be, Patek’s most distinctive watch.

Patek Philippe Calatrava watch

Patek Philippe named the series Calatrava because it is derived from the Calatrava cross.the Patek Philippe logo. The fact that they have named the series after the emblem shows how important this collection has become in their long line of luxury watches.

It is worth noting that Calatrava has produced dozens of watches over the years, many of which are in high demand, particularly the older Calatrava watches.

Patek Philippe introduced the reference 96 when reference numbers had only two digits. This was a momentous leap for the Swiss watchmaker. This is because the design allowed for a larger internal movement to be contained in a slim and perfectly constructed watch.

Most outstanding features

An elegant and refined bezel

Calatrava watches have a highly polished bezel as one of its most distinctive features, but there are also models with a “Clous de Paris” nail bezel. On the other hand, the size of the watch case is one of the elements that have been altered in Patek Philippe Calatrava men’s watches.

Traditional case size

In recent years, men have preferred watches with larger cases. Traditionally, a Patek Philippe watch for men had a 35 mm case.which was fine, since women wore watches that were much smaller. Watch cases for both men’s and women’s watches are getting larger and larger, which is a developing trend.

While several watchmakers offer significantly larger versions in the 42-46 mm range, Patek Philippe appears to limit the size of men’s Calatrava watches to 39 mm. As a result, the brand stays true to the original size to please the classicists, while appeasing those looking to follow the trend.

Movement and case back

The brand is well aware that the core design of the Patek Philippe Calatrava has been imitated on numerous occasions. Even by competitors in the high-end market. So, many will ask, why buy a Calatrava watch?

Beyond the Patek Philippe name on the dial, there are other considerations. For example, mobility and details on the watch are two good reasons. We must also take into account the new case back. For the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227 model, this watchmaker reportedly spent several years designing and refining a caseback with “invisible” hinges.

Hinged case backs are a legacy from the days of pocket watches, where they were used to protect the movements. They have to do with styling and providing an area for customization. This feature also gives the user the ability to examine the watch mechanism. Anyone should like Patek Philippe watches just for the movement alone, as it is very much worth seeing.

Having said the above, it’s also great to look at a clean gold case back, open it up and contemplate the movement. It is possible that perhaps a small inscription can be found on the inner case back engraved by Patek Philippe itself.

In fact, Patek Philippe prides itself on the fact that while the case back of the watch is closed, the hinge and the notch to open it are almost undetectable on both sides.. Overall, it’s an attractive feature that adds a charming touch to a high-end watch with an excellent design.

Patek Philippe Calatrava watch specifications

Taking the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5227 model as a reference, the most relevant specifications are as follows:

• It is a high-end watch made of 18 karat yellow gold.
• It features a brown aligator leather strap with a cream lacquered dial.
• Both the hands and the hour and minute markers are made of polished yellow gold.
• The Patek Philippe Calatrava watch also features a 185-karat yellow gold protective cover.
• Round case in polished 18-karat solid gold, with a diameter of 39 mm and a thickness of 9.58 mm.
• The watch has 238 components and provides a power reserve of 45 hours.
• It is powered by the Patek Philippe movement caliber 324 SC with 29 jewels.

We are waiting for you in our space located in the heart of Seville, specifically in our Rolex Space located at number 21 Sierpes Street, in our Patek Philippe Space at number 19 and at number 23 in our multi-brand store.

At El Cronómetro, we are master watchmakers since 1901, and thanks to our long history, we have a wide knowledge about the different models and styles of watches for men. Therefore, if you come to our store our advisors will assist you in a personalized way to recommend you the most suitable piece for you.