Patek Philippe Calatrava is the name of an emblematic line of watches made by the Swiss maker of fine timepieces, Patek Philippe. The company has built one of the leading global luxury watch brands. More than mere timepieces, a PPC piece is considered high jewelry and a work of art. The firm ranks with well-known names like Blancpain, Breitling, Chanel, Chopard, IWC Schaffhausen, Raymond Weil, A. Lange & Sohne, Armani (Emporio), Charles Winston, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Ebel, ESQ by Movado and Piaget.

Patek Philippe started as a firm in Geneva during 1839. Its founders were two Polish partners that had migrated to Switzerland, one a businessman the other a watchmaker. The firm has been designing and crafting fine watches continuously ever since. Its famous Calatrava model range was launched in 1932. Like all of its models, each Calatrava watch is a limited edition item. This is planned purposefully so that each watch better retains its value over time.

One of the most noteworthy items ever made by the company is the so-called Graves Supercomplication. This timepiece is one of the most valuable watches ever made. When it was auctioned in New York City during December 1999 at Sotheby’s, it sold for about eleven million dollars. That price, at that time, made it the most expensive watch ever sold.

The watch was commissioned during the 1920s by Henry Graves, Jr. He was the son of a famous nineteenth century New York banker. The timepiece is designed in the same style as a coach watch, something that was fashionable at that time. The term ‘complication’ is a horological concept that refers to a mechanical function of a timepiece beyond the movement that counts the hours and minutes and seconds.

The Graves Supercomplication watch has 24 complications. It took PP over five years to design and craft the piece. It is comprised of about 900 individual components.

Calatrava pieces are available for men and women. They are crafted with a variety of movements, including manual winding, mechanical automatic and quartz. Each finely polished watch case is made from a high grade metal such as rose, yellow gold or white gold as well as platinum and stainless steel. Some models also feature diamonds or other precious stones.

The Calatrava collection features hobnail patterns or polished bezels and boast sleek designs with ultra thin cases to reflect quiet, discreet elegance and classic design. The collection is renowned for including pieces that are ultra-thin and extremely complicated.

For example, the Calatrava 6000R features a subtle classic design. Highlights include a mechanically self-winding movement plus date display. It has a distinctive dial inspired by the dash of vintage racing cars. It also features a rose gold watch case and a subtle brown and silvery-grey dial.

In summary, Patek Philippe Calatrava watches are designed to live on for generations. To enhance the longevity of all Patek Philippe watches, regular servicing is recommended. This should be completed at least every five years, but ideally every three years if possible. The servicing should be performed by a service center that has been accredited by the company.

You will find a brief summary of the reasons why you should purchase a Patek Philippe Calatrava watch and a list of the features of Patek Philippe watches on our website, now.