FabR[Senior Patek Moderator]
26166
The two references are in a sense related, and in a very significant way -- this is an excellent point! Hobnail bezels are firmly rooted in the history and tradition of the Calatrava line, which is a big reason why I love them on my Rare Handcrafts...
Feb 09, 2023,03:19 AM
Instances of a hobnail bezel on Calatrava references go as far back as year 1934 (!), with Ref. 96 D....this was only a couple years after a certain visionary Genevan family, now at its fourth generation, assumed the leadership of the Brand!
Arguably, hobnail bezels acquired legendary status about half a century later, with the introduction of Ref. 3919, in 1985. We have since seen multiple Calatrava models decorated by this spectacular bezel, including the two references I regard as direct descendants of the 3919 --- the 5119 (incidentally, this was my very first Patek
) and most recently, the 6119.
I like to view the 5177 as the "fancy cousin" of the 6119. While they both represent superb modern interpretations of one of the most significant watch collections of the last century, the 5177 has so far *only* been employed for special, out-of-catalog models. That's another big reason why the "Boccadasse" (5177G-010) and "School of Fish" (-028) are among my most treasured watches!
V.H.'s (Pretty Boy) "Medieval Ornaments" (-023) from 2021, as well as very few other dials produced since 2018, are part of this same group of exclusive Pateks.
I hope this brief "historic" note can be helpful as you and our other members consider your next Patek acquisitions!
Cheers, FabR