Patek Philippe Calatrava

Patek Philippe Calatrava, Patek Philippe
User:Jeff Muscato, Public domain

The round, plain wristwatch that became the model for the classic men’s watch.

In 1932 the Stern family bought Patek Philippe, and reference 96 appeared the same year. Its shape was simple and clean, in line with the Bauhaus idea that form should follow function.

The name Calatrava comes from the cross Patek Philippe has used as its emblem since the 19th century. The watch became the model for the classic round men’s watch, and many brands have made their own versions.

Materials: Gold, glass, leather strap; mechanical movement

Manufacture: Reference 96 was made in Geneva from 1932; the Calatrava has existed in many references since.

The round case with lugs that grow out of it.

The plain dial with slim indices and a small seconds hand.

No complications: only hours, minutes and seconds.

A round case, a plain dial with baton indices or numerals, a small seconds hand at six o’clock and slim hands.

Reference 3919 from 1985 was given a bezel with a pattern of small pyramids, clous de Paris, which became a hallmark of many later Calatravas.