1940s Longines Calatrava

Why This Watch Matters With a refined steel case and a perfectly balanced dial, this Calatrava will have you looking a million bucks…without the debt. And yes, it looks a heck of a lot like that six-figure Patek. The Full Story Simple, clean, and understated, this Longines Calatrava is perfect for both formal and casual affairs as the rugged stainless steel balances out the dressier style of the watch. But don’t be fooled by the 34.5mm case size, this watch wears larger on the wrist than the numbers might make you think, thanks to the very thin bezel and very fine (and finely done) feuille hands. Additionally, it has drilled lugs, which is unusual for this model. This watch may be simple, but its clarity of design and quality of construction help to explain why it’s been nicknamed “Calatrava” after such watches as the Patek Philippe Reference 570 (more on those here), which is one of the grail vintage watches. At the same time, though the comparison is apt, this is very much a watch t