Lot 75

Patek Philippe

Calatrava

An elegant Geneva vintage wristwatch in near mint condition

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This 18 K gold Calatrava model with an elegantly shimmering blue dial is an early example of reference 3590 and is in very good condition. With a sober yet very sophisticated design the model has great appeal to lovers of traditional dress watches. It was seldom worn, so that the case developed the rare gold oxide, which is highly valued by collectors but can also be removed easily by polishing the case.

The classic look of the Calatrava has been the embodiment of Patek Philippe's unmistakable design for decades. The Calatrava models are still rising in value, making them prized timepieces with a high investment value.
The Calatrava range was launched in the early 1930s and has lost none of its charisma since. Particular success celebrated the references 96 and 570 from the 1940 up until the 1960s. In 1973 Patek Philippe introduced reference 3520, which featured the new distinctive "Clous de Paris" bezel. The model was available in yellow, rose and white gold with a slim silhouette, a round case and straight lugs; the design had been used for earlier Calatrava models. The watch was an immediate success and Patek Philippe extended the range with additional models: Reference 3590 was launched with a bigger case (35 mm instead of 32mm) and an automatic movement.