Patek Philippe Calatrava

The Calatrava: the watch that redefined simplicity — and made it timeless.

Few watches capture the essence of understated elegance like the Patek Philippe Calatrava. Conceived in the early 1930s as a response to a changing world, it became the blueprint for every modern dress watch that followed.

In the wake of the 1929 stock market crash, even Patek Philippe’s most discerning clientele sought a more restrained expression of luxury. After acquiring a controlling interest in the firm, Jean and Charles Henri Stern enlisted English designer David Penney to create a simple, time-only watch that would embody the principles of the Bauhaus school, where form follows function. The result was the Calatrava, named for the medieval Spanish Order of Calatrava, whose cross would become the maison’s enduring emblem.

Since its debut in 1932, the Calatrava has stood as the definitive expression of refined watchmaking — a study in proportion, simplicity, and quiet power.

This particular example, a Reference 3919J, carries that legacy into the modern era with grace. Measuring 33mm, it features the Calatrava’s signature Clous de Paris hobnail bezel in 18K yellow gold, framing a glossy white dial with painted Roman numerals, feuille hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at six o’clock. Paired with a black alligator leather strap and signed gold pin buckle, it is effortlessly versatile — equally at home beneath a cuff at the office or with formal evening wear. Inside beats the manually wound Patek Philippe Calibre 215 PS, celebrated for its precision, reliability, and refinement.

Sure, you could choose a modern dress watch that tells the time just fine — and likely ends up forgotten in a drawer. But a true Calatrava from the world’s greatest watchmaker? That’s forever.

The gold standard of dress watches — simple, balanced, and eternally modern.

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 two-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.