Which Calatrava is the Patek Philippe classic?
I'm not in the market for a Calatrava at the moment and I do have my heart set for a 5127g one day, but I do want to know which Calatrava reference is the most traditional. In other words, Patek Philippe's signature Calatrava. Is it the 5116g? I could be ...
Most probably.......
The one which launched the Calatrava series back in 1932. Though more seriously it could be one of many, but for some reason the 96 springs to mind.
I would agree that the ref 96 represents the classic
calatrava. I believe it was the one piece, from the original 96 to the 3796, which maintained the same design and dimensions representing the model with the longest production run spanning some 60+ years. A tribute to a classic.
The dial is gorgeous ...
and it houses the first PP automatic movement ... Lots to love, but I am not sure about the "King". Sorry, maybe it is just me ;-) Oliver ps: It is always a pleasure to see it. Thanks!
From my point of view ...
Ref. 96 - the mother of all Calatrava´s One example in steel ... ... still 70 years old (in this case). Try to make it better ... Followed by Ref. 570 ... Oliver...
Wow. What a beautiful watch!
And when you guys say reference 96, do mean the 5196 and 5296 from the current collection? Or is the 96 a classic, continuing Calatrava model and the 5196 and 5296 are the latest versions? I need to my hands on a Patek Philippe encyclopedia or something.
Reference 96 is the "mother of all" simple, manually wound ...
... PP watches. As mentioned it was over 50 years in production, with various dial designs, small second, central second, diamonds ... . The ending XX96 is a reminder of that "Ueber"-Calatrava. But the 5119 and 5116 are also descendants from the reference...
Ref 96 was & still is ...
my choice, based on personal preferences Suggestion: Patek Philippe in America, from John Reardon, could be a nice (but maybe dangerous) start Oliver
Sigh!...If only she was Ø 38,5 mm...
Beautiful piece! Just can never understand why they were made at ~ Ø 30,0 mm? It doesn't work when your wrist is Ø 18,3 mm. Cheers, -- Richard.
If she would be 38,5 mm ...
collectors with "limited resources" could never afford it. I know of some collectors which are proud owners of a Ref. 96 and for them it is THE crown of their watch collection. Try to find Ref. 570 (similar style, but slightly bigger) in that price range ...
Bang ....
one more incredible beauty. Close to be perfect ... Thanks for sharing. Oliver
I share your point of view Oliver
Thanks for reminding us of this beauty. Regards, Richard.
calatrava from the 40 to the 70 show all the classic lines
the size of the case seems to be the major differentiation factor. From 32mm for the 40's through to 35mm to37mm in the 60's and 70's, and here we are 2010 with a hockey puck on the wrist. my favorites include Ref 3445 and the first automatic ref 2526 ~be...
Great thread.......
With some marvellous photos of some simply classic Calatravas. Please keep them coming.
That is a very beautiful watch ...
and another one like this comes to my mind: PP 3960G - from 1989; 33 mm That beauty in 37 or 38 mm would be hard to beat Oliver...
Not necessarily classic....
... but in the interest of keeping the thread going, here is an acquisition that arrived on my doorstep yesterday.... I wouldn't put this 5000R up against a 2526, 96 or 570 as far as depicting the quintessential Calatrava - but I sure love it. My company'...
Wow, this is a rare beauty these days ...
but one that I really like. Congrats, Steve! Oliver
What a company "Give-away" !!!
To be this generous you must be in gold mining, its a beautiful look ~ benio
Not so generous...
I bought the watch for myself! As CEO (and a watch collector) I just wanted a piece that blended my passions for watches and my company. I hope our people don't start asking for them as retirement gifts - I had a hard enough time finding mine! Steve