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 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, Patek 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. (In actuality, this naming convention wouldn't be established until the 1980s, since which time it has been used by collectors to denote virtually any round, time-only Patek dress watch from any period.) This particular Calatrava, a Reference 3802/200J-001, features a 33mm yellow gold case with a a clous de Paris bezel, a signed crown, and a sapphire crystal. Beneath this is a gorgeous, glossy white dial with painted 'Roman' indices and a matching 'pencil' handset, a date window at 3:00, and a signed black crocodile leather strap with a signed yellow gold pin buckle. Powered by Patek's Calibre 315 SC automatic-winding movement, this piece is accompanied by its Certificate of Origin dating to 1998. Sure, you could get yourself a modern dress watch that tells the time just fine — and that probably ends up in a drawer after a while. But a genuine Calatrava from the world’s greatest watchmaker is forever.