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 brand’s 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.  The Calatrava 96 was also one of the first pieces the brand released after the Stern family purchased a majority share in Patek Philippe in the early 30s. In many respects, the 96 is emblematic of the Stern family’s contributions to Patek. The 96 was one of the earliest round watches Patek ever made, and was also the very first serially produced piece to receive its own reference. 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.  This piece, a Reference 5107/1G-001, is the very image of the elegant Calatrava design, but in a modern silhouette. With a nearly perfect 37mm 18K white gold case it’s an incredibly easy-wearing watch. The case features curvaceous lugs, a polished bezel, a sapphire crystal, a signed crown and a sapphire caseback, revealing the maison’s Calibre 315 SC self-winding movement.  Furnished with applied white gold indices, a ‘dot’ minute track, a matching dauphine handset and a framed date window at 3 o’clock set against an ivory tone, the dial is an exercise of simplistic beauty.  But wait, there's more! Setting this Calatrava apart, is it's phenomenal bracelet. Expertly crafted out of 18K white gold, the multi-link bracelet with a signed depoloyant clasp  is a master-class in fine watchmaking. The 'beads of rice' construction makes the band silkily drape over the wrist, and adds a pleasant  tactile sensation that is missing in its leather banded companions.  This is a Calatrava that stands above the rest.