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. This particular Calatrava, a Reference 2551, dates to circa 1958 and features a 35mm 18K rose gold case produced by Wenger, with an acrylic crystal, a signed crown, a gorgeous, patinated silver dial with applied dart indices. One of the defining features of this watch is its Calibre 12-600AT automatic winding movement--- the first automatic developed by Patek Philippe, initially outfitted in the 2526 but later brought to a variety of automatic pieces like the 2551. Rare is it to find a timeless vintage watch that remains well-proportioned in modern times. If you are a fan of small case sizes, you're in good shape, but for the modern collector, there are fewer options. The 2551 is one of them. Equally comfortable in a modern context, this is an excellent vintage classic.