Patek Philippe Calatrava

First presented in 1932 with the Reference 96, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is the benchmark for classic men’s dress watches. Thegroundbreaking reference set the stage for nearly every piece Patek has released since, and became the blueprint for other brand’sapproaches to classy men’s timepieces. Heavily influenced by the Bauhaus design philosophy, the Calatrava was then considered extremely modern with its minimalist, less-is-more approach to watch design.

The Calatrava 96 was also one of the first pieces the brand released after the Stern family purchased a majority share in Patek Philippe in the early '30s. In many respects, the96 is emblematic of the Stern family’s contributions to Patek. The 96 was one of the earliest round wristwatches Patek ever made, and was also the very first serially-produced piece to receive its own reference.

In the years since 1932, Patek has released dozens of Calatrava references, each with its own idiosyncrasies. Almost all share the underlying DNA of the 96, prioritizing subtleelegance above all else.

This piece, a Reference5227G-010, is the very image of the elegant Calatrava design but in a modern silhouette. With a highly comfortable 39mm 18K white gold case and measuring just 9mm thick, it’s an incredibly easy-wearing watch. The case features downturned lugs, apolished bezel, a sapphire crystal, a signed crown and an officer-style caseback that, when opened, reveals the maison’s Calibre 324 SC self-winding movement.

Furnished with applied white gold indices, a ‘dot’ minute track, a matching 'dauphine' handset, and a framed date window at 3 o’clock set against an black tone, the dial is an exercise of simplistic beauty.

Outfitted to a signed black alligator leather strap with an 18K white gold pin buckle, this piece is an exceptional example of the traditional Calatrava design and the maison’s artisanship. It also happens to come with its inner box and Certificate of Origin.

Simply put, this Calatrava is everything you need in a dress watch, and nothing you don’t!