Patek Philippe Calatrava 'Tiffany & Co.'

That seven letter word: Tiffany. It's all you need to elevate an already desirable timepiece into stratospheric levels of demand and appreciation in the watch community. Whether we're talking about vintage Rolex or modern Patek Philippe, there is perhaps no greater multiplier for value than that little signature on the dial. Of course, it is also a minefield for both marketplaces. Vintage pieces have been known to have fugazi signatures added by unscrupulous sellers in hopes of increasing the value of an otherwise generic timepiece. These are rough waters to navigate. In this case, it is applied to a 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 particular Calatrava, a Reference 5115J, dates to circa the 2008 and features a solid 18k yellow gold case with crown guards, a cloud de Paris bezel, a signed crown, and a gorgeous cream colored enamel dial with painted Roman indices and that famous "Tiffany & Co." signature. Powered by Patek Philippe's Calibre 215 hand-winding movement, this extremely versatile 35m case comes fitted to a signed black alligator leather strap with a signed yellow gold pin buckle and is accompanied by its factory goodies.   We're not saying there's such a thing as a "sure thing" in watch collecting, but if you want this watch half as much as we do, don't hesitate to make a move, it won't last!