Patek Philippe Calatrava

First presented in 1932 with the Reference 96, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is the benchmark for classic men’s dress watches. Though it wouldn't attain the "Calatrava" designation until the 1980s, this 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.

Over the years, this dressy collection has evolved, but the look remains unmistakable and iconic, and its rich history provides the vintage and pre-owned enthusiast with a variety of choices in metals, sizes, and tiny details to obsess over. In 1950, for example, Patek Philippe debuted the Reference 2509: A 35mm hand-wound dress watch in waterproof, screw-down case from Taubert, it's among the most wearable of the vintage Calatrava models — and certainly among the most lovely.

This particular example, a Reference 2509J, dates to circa 1954. Housed in a 35mm yellow gold case with a correct, unsigned crown, a smooth bezel, and an acrylic crystal, it features a beautifully brushed midcase with clear hallmarks and a 10-sided screw-down caseback. Its champagne dial is a work of art: Featuring applied yellow gold 'wedge' and 'diamond' indices, a matching dauphine handset, and a subsidiary seconds track above 6 o'clock, it boasts the perfect mix of Bauhaus-inspired simplicity and slightly more modern proportions.

Inside this exquisitely preserved piece beats the Patek Philippe Calibre 12-400, a hand-wound movement adjusted to five positions (plus heat, cold, and isochronism) and covered in handsome Geneva striping. Paired to a signed black alligator leather strap with a signed yellow gold pin buckle, it's accompanied by its Extract from the Archives attesting to its production and delivery in 1954. 

At the moment, the Reference 2509 still flies under the radar, the Patek Philippe cognoscenti being occupied with the likes of the References 96 and 570. When the tide turns, wouldn't you like to have been early to the party, privy to one of the most sumptuous, elegant references in the maison's wide-reaching catalog? 

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.