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 3944J from the 1990s, features a 33mm yellow gold case, a gorgeous gloss enamel white dial with painted Roman indices and matching feuille handset, a subsidiary seconds register at 6:00, a cloud de Paris bezel, and a signed 18K yellow gold crown. Powered by the quartz Caliber E23SC movement and fitted to a black alligator leather strap with a signed Calatrava buckle and a yellow gold deployant clasp, it makes for the perfect timepiece to pair with a suit at the office or with elegant evening wear.  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 real Calatrava from the world’s greatest watchmaker is forever.