Patek Philippe Calatrava

Patek Philippe has long been known for its complicated watchmaking, but following the stock market crash of 1929, fewer clients had the means to purchase these high-end timepieces. After securing a controlling interest in the firm, Jean and Charles Henri Stern decided to enlist the help of an English designer named David Penney to create a simple watch that would come in at a lower price point and appeal to the firm’s clientele. 

Using the principles espoused by the Bauhaus school and its minimalist, function-first philosophy, Penney conceived the Calatrava, taking its name from the Spanish military order established in the 12th century which had become the symbol of Patek Philippe. Since its debut in 1932, the Calatrava has become a byword for a simple, time-only dress watch — even from brands other than Patek itself.

This piece, a Reference 6000G-010, isn’t your run-of-the-mill Calatrava and features a distinctive dial design that was cooly received at launch, but has recently come to be appreciated and sought-after by the enthusiast community at large. With a 37mm 18k white gold case offering polished finishing, a signed crown at 3 o'clock and a date corrector micro-pusher at 10 o'clock and a sapphire sapphire crystal, the 6000G is powered by the self-winding Caibre 240 PS, an exquisitely finished micro rotor automatic visible beneath its sapphire exhibition back. Its grey sunburst dial features white-printed Arabic indices, a silvered central minute track, and an off-center small seconds display fitted between the 4 and 5 o'clock positions. Time is read via a white stick handset with a third red-tipped pointer hand indicating the date on a printed outer track.

Outfitted to a signed brown alligator leather strap with an 18k white gold deployant clasp, we treated this piece to a light professional case refinishing to touch up some minor scuffs on the bezel and flanks, and presents in beautiful condition throughout. Included with sale are its signed leather folio, booklets, and Certificate of Origin indicating original sale in 2007.

Traditional Calatrava aesthetics were thrown out the window on this one, and its taken awhile for the market to embrace the bold styling - but the recently released Reference 6007 series Calatrava (sans outer date track or micro-rotor movement) indicate Patek themselves are committed to the bold design language going forward, and we're here for it!

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.