Patek Philippe Steel Calatrava Buyer Guide — WatchProSite Forum Digest

ImranLondon · 2018-07-16T12:46:16Z

Miranda's Patek Philippe steel Calatrava buyer guide: explore vintage references 570, 565, 2509, 3417, and accessible options. Understand market trends and collector insights.

ImranLondon

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

15 replies5026 views20 photos

Miranda's comprehensive buyer's guide to Patek Philippe steel Calatrava models addresses a frequently asked question among collectors: the accessibility and value of these vintage pieces. This article expertly navigates the market for highly desirable references like the 570, 565, and 3417, while also highlighting more attainable options. Miranda's insights are invaluable for anyone considering an investment in these iconic Patek Philippe timepieces.

15 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →

If there is a watch I get PM about more than any other its the steel Calatrava, so I prepare this article to help.

Patek and steel, never a good mix for your wallet, especially when it comes to vintage. Of the steel vintage Calatrava, the most desirable are the 34mm-35mm. anything bigger and you may as well sell a kidney, actually probably 2 . (you may be on dialysis but at least you have a jumbo steel Calatrava).

Ref 570 pic credit Philipps

The most famous is the ref 570, with a generous 35/36mm case – alas the boat/plane/train all gone on this one (for the normal folk amongst us anyway)- prices are reaching 100k euro.

Pic credits Christie’s

Maybe not as expensive but equally desirable is the 565 screw back, again prices are nuts easily in the 50K+ euro range- probably way more.

Pic credit Christie’s

The same for the other screw back 2509/2508 34mm Calatrava (my favourite case design). In fact the last 2509 in steel I saw was offered at 90K euro

Pic credit Christie’s

Doesn’t get much better with the hugely desirable and keenly sought after 3417- Amagnetic. A beast of a reference, but alas …gone…Phillips sold one in 2016 for CHF65,000.Looking back, with papers, I think this was a bargain.

So why am I writing this? Just to depress everyone???

No, there are three pieces still accessible. But for how long?

1. The ref. 1503: a superb size, 35.5mm, and the thin bezel gives it huge wrist presence. Very rare- I have been told only 12? pieces in all dial versions. How much? Anyone’s guess….have not seen any for sale recently, but Phillips sold the last one for CHF 35,000. With this size and rarity, I cannot see them for this price in good condition now. A lot depends on the dial version however, the Arabic dial probably being most desirable, then the two tone dial.

2. The ref 3466- A steel round case so typical of the 1960’s 34.5/35mm. Phillips sold one with a dial signed by Beyer for CHF40,000. Typically though 20k euro should get a decent one. Again this really in expensive compared to the other models.

3. Finally the ref 3483, centre seconds, very rare in this specification, 34/35mm, but very accessible for now. Again 20K Euro should get a good one.

Both the 3466/3483 are very undervalued, but if you crave a vintage steel Calatrava this is the time to grab one. The 1503 is already beginning to fly, and is in my opinion a superb addition for a collection but the issue is rarity- finding one is near impossible these days. But if you do see one, grab it as I see them going the way of the 570.

This message has been edited by Baron - Mr Red on 2018-07-16 12:58:48

Key Points from the Discussion

Steel Calatravas are highly collectible due to the contradiction of a Patek Philippe in steel; historically, fewer were made for those who couldn't afford precious metals, making them rare today.
A contributor recalls seeing a steel Calatrava with a Portuguese connection offered in the low four-figure range in the not-too-distant past, lamenting not buying it.
The author draws a parallel between the rising prices of 'lesser' steel Calatravas (like the 3466 and 1503) and the Rolex Daytona 6263, suggesting they will become equally mythical in value.
A contributor expresses that finding a nice steel Calatrava at a sensible price seems like a fading dream, highlighting the market's current state.
The author shares a personal regret of selling a steel Calatrava, reinforcing the increasing value and desirability of these pieces.
A contributor humorously notes the post makes them want to sell a kidney for a Calatrava, emphasizing the watches' allure despite high prices.
A key piece of advice for buying these watches is that 'condition is king,' even for undervalued pieces.

The Discussion

amanico

Jul 16, 2018

3417, 570, 565... They are all mythic, now. One of these 3 would make my day, but for the moment, they only feed my dreams. [nt]

ImranLondon

Jul 16, 2018

Mythical yes, prices to match

This reminds of the Rolex Daytona situation when the price of the Paul Newmans was going skyrocket the price of the normal 6263 Daytona also started to rise now today the price of the 6263 is the same price as the Paul Newman was 10 years ago I think the price of the so-called Lesser steel Calatrava such as the 3466 and the 1503 will also become mythical.

Baron - Mr Red

Jul 16, 2018

tend to agree....these steel Calatravas are a bargain but also fantastic to wear [nt]

amanico

Jul 16, 2018

That's life... We need a good old time machine. [nt]

Baron - Mr Red

Jul 16, 2018

Steel Calatravas

Over the years, I have become a bigger and bigger fan of the time only Calatrava. It represents the very core of Patek DNA in my view. The reason why steel Calatravas are now so collectible, in my view, is the contradiction of a Patek Philippe watch in a metal like steel. Almost certainly, those that ordered in steel did so because they could not really afford the precious metals. Yet, because it was seen as quite strange to have, very few were made. I am not sure how many 3466 or 3483 were made

ImranLondon

Jul 16, 2018

A perfect analysis, just look at the ref 3700, steel vintage Patek, a league of its own [nt]

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 15 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →