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 created the Reference 96, the first watch that began the legacy of the Calatrava. Although the name 'Calatrava' was not associated with dress watches made by Patek until much later, the 96 was the DNA progenitor to the contemporary Calatrava collection. 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 3919-020J, features a 33mm yellow gold case with '