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Difference between Patek deployants (chevron vs calatrava)...
Hello all,
There have been a few discussions pertaining to this topic, but none addressed this issue so wanted to share what I found with you.
Notice that the pin of the chevron style deployant sits farther out than that of the calatrava buckle! This works to about 1/2 distance between the pin holes in the strap. So, what I found is that experimenting between the two buckles, I can fine-tune the "sweet spot" of strap length for my watch.
Both are genuine Patek straps, but they're cut differently! Turns out, I can get the perfect fit with the calatrava buckle on the brown strap, and the chevron buckle on the grey strap. As a side note, the grey strap on the grey 5960P really looks nice, makes me think Patek should have made that the default strap on the grey dial 5960P's.
When I purchased my 5960P I could not decide between the two styles of deployants - chevron vs calatrava - and my indecision was purely from a cosmetic angle. So I ended up getting both styles to see and decide for myself. To my surprise, I found a MUCH more important difference than just aesthetics - and this is the effective "length" of the buckle. To illustrate...
Notice that the pin of the chevron style deployant sits farther out than that of the calatrava buckle! This works to about 1/2 distance between the pin holes in the strap. So, what I found is that experimenting between the two buckles, I can fine-tune the "sweet spot" of strap length for my watch.
This is particularly useful since not all Patek straps are created equal... Take a look:
Both are genuine Patek straps, but they're cut differently! Turns out, I can get the perfect fit with the calatrava buckle on the brown strap, and the chevron buckle on the grey strap. As a side note, the grey strap on the grey 5960P really looks nice, makes me think Patek should have made that the default strap on the grey dial 5960P's.
All that said... I slightly prefer the chevron buckle because it sits flatter against the leather, partly due to the curvature of the buckle as seen in the photos above. Otherwise, the length difference is really the most important distinguisher... and having found this out, now I am forced to keep both buckles! 
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Difference between Patek deployants (chevron vs calatrava)...
Hello all, There have been a few discussions pertaining to this topic, but none addressed this issue so wanted to share what I found with you. When I purchased my 5960P I could not decide between the two styles of deployants - chevron vs calatrava - and m...
Gray
Thanks for this post! I have been considering getting a gray strap for my 5960P (gray dial) but my AD did not seem to believe he could get a PP strap but instead offered to order one from Camille Fournet. I currently have a few other straps from Camille F...
Wow!
I have the "plain" navy on navy strap... The grey stitching really adds a subtle but very special touch especially in combination with the grey dial! Really nice... thanks for sharing.
Regarding the grey strap...
Unfortunately I do not know the exact ref #, but I will ask my dealer that provided the straps to see if he can provide that information. Right now I have a navy strap on which also looks great, looks very similar to your black strap indoors or at night. ...
Grey, blue, and brown...
Here are some quick shots of the 5960P with the three strap colors... Navy is on the watch, the brown and grey have just been placed over to simulate the look: ...
very nice
Thanks for posting, all look like good combos but the gray has that little extra. Calling my AD to see if I can get one! Hopefully without a 3 month waiting time...
thanks for solving the mystery
now I know why the orginal brown strap did not fit well until I change it to a calatrava.
mystery
I suppose that is one way to solve the issue. Personally I find my wrist asking for slightly more room when in the air or in warmer climates so solved it by adding a hole in the strap. The calatrava cross does a splendid job hiding this modification so no...
That's a great solution.
And being able to hide the half hole with the calatrava cross is certainly a plus! I might give this a try one day, thanks for the tip.
The Chevron buckle is much more solid, too. If you push on the calatrava cross...
You may break it... BUT the biggest problem of the Chevron is that it too much looks like a Tag Heuer buckle. A total no go for me. Best, Nicolas
I just replaced Calatrava deployant Buckle
on my 5127 for ordinary chevron. Much more comfortable now.
I can tell you a secret:
Every wrist is different. Measure your wrist and calculate that the buckle comes to the middle. Then the watch starts to be comfortable. My wrist is 200 mm (8 inches) and the right length for a 39 mm watch with deployment buckle is 80 mm + 120-125 mm. Bes...
Thats very good advice
As i have tried short strap and medium one and in both cases thr calatrava cross is not in the middle of the wrist. This bother me big time - next time i will be in Geneve i will order it. Or, is it possible tp order it remotely given the size of the wris...
Hi Ed,
If I'm ordering the straps, I'm just sending a mail to Ms. Emilie Laurent from Client Service Department. The straps are ready when I'm there next time. You can easily order i.e. Navy Blue strap with grey stitching and your own measurements. With the help...
Night Flight is old one, i have list of new hot places for you!!
All you need just come to Moscow:) P.S. Thank you for real advice - i will contact the lady you mentioned. Shake your hand, Kari and thank you!!!!
Once you come, wear SWATCH please, otherwise they gonna charge us double price;)))
I know from my own experience :))
I love those observations and details.
Those make the difference for those who really appreciate their watches on their wrists. Thanks for sharing! Oliver
Interesting observation on these buckles
I personally prefer the simplicity of the Chevron style deployant buckle. And unfortunately I have experienced a problem already mentioned with the Calatrava style--when a friend tried on one of my watches with the Calatrava, he pushed right in the center...