Patek Philippe Calatrava

First presented in 1932 with the Reference 96, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is the benchmark for classic men’s dress watches. The groundbreaking reference set the stage for nearly every piece Patek has released since, and became the blueprint for other brands’ approaches to classy men’s timepieces. Heavily influenced by the Bauhaus design philosophy, the Calatrava was then considered extremely modern with its minimalist, ‘less is more’ approach to watch design. 

In the years since 1932, Patek has released dozens of Calatrava references, each with its own idiosyncrasies. Almost all share the underlying DNA of the 96, prioritizing subtle elegance above all else.

In 1985, Patek Philippe was looking to distinguish itself in a post quartz crisis era of the luxury watch market. Patek enlisted help from a brilliant Geneva-based ad man— Renee Bittel— to help Patek define itself for a new customer base. Bittel said Patek Philippe needed a symbol for the brand— something that would capture the classic Patek aesthetic and come to represent the brand. Patek President Philippe Stern asked Bittel what this would look like, and legend has it Bittel drew what would later become the 3919, another Bauhaus design, this time incorporating a hobnail bezel and printed Roman numerals.

The hobnail bezel first emerged in 1934 on the reference 96D and Bittel recognized that its distinctive look was eye-catching, and classically Patek. Coupling the hobnail with a cream dial and black printed numerals, the 3919 quickly became the image of Patek Philippe. Today, the 3919 represents one of the best values in neo-vintage Patek Philippe.

Let’s say you love the look of the 3919, but want something with automatic winding everyday utility. That’s when you explore the Reference 5120. The 5120 strikes a lot of ideal balances. A bit larger than the 3919, the 5120 measures a comfortable 35mm. With its broad lugs it wears really well today. Additionally, it’s outfitted with a caliber 240 micro rotor movement. The same movement base is used on the 3940 and the 5110, two famous Patek references that both cost many multiples of the 5120. This piece strikes the ideal balance for value for money, wearability, and historical prominence.

Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world with an uninterrupted watchmaking history. Few international luxury brands carry the gravitas of their name, and for good reason. The firm's commitment to excellence in horological manufacture is unflinching, and their track record of innovation in design without peer. They continue to lead the industry, and even their fiercest competitors have nothing but the utmost respect for the company.

From the simple elegance of their Calatrava line to the stunning study in miniaturization that is reference 1518 perpetual calendar to the modern reference 5750P chiming watch, Patek’s catalog is chock full of some of the most elegant and complicated timepieces ever made. Family-owned and completely independent, the firm has the freedom to do what it wants — such as discontinue one of the world’s most beloved steel luxury sport watches, the reference 5711 — when it wants.

Owning a Patek Philippe is for many the ultimate goal of timepiece collecting, and for a certain type, the only timepieces they collect. Whichever way you look at it, there is no questioning the elegance of design, superlative manufacture of their cases and movements, or the sheer elegance and emotion that comes from owning one.

Of course for a brand that is steeped in heritage, we are told “You never actually own a Patek Philippe…”

Well, you know the rest.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.