Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Calatrava 40930068/AS05642

WHY WE LOVE IT

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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 superb Reference 2581, features a 33mm 18K yellow gold case with a matching integrated yellow gold mesh bracelet with a signed locking clasp, an acrylic crystal, a signed crown, a sunburst silver dial with applied yellow gold baton indices and a sub-seconds register with a matching yellow gold handset, and the manually-wound Patek Philippe Calibre 10-200 movement within.

Furthermore, the caseback on this special piece is engraved for one "Dr. Edgar Sanabria" — and while we can't prove that this watch belonged to the interim President of Venezuela in the late 1950s, the timing sure checks out.

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 and bracelet are in excellent condition overall showing light signs of wear from with age and use with a lovely light oxidation throughout. Sunburst silver dial with both printed and applied indices is in equally excellent condition, showing light, even patina with matching handset. Signed crown. Caseback engraved "Dr. Edgar Sanabria."