Patek Philippe

1953 Patek Philippe Calatrava (Ref. 1578R) 18K RG W/ Extract From The Archives

Patek Philippe Advertisement

'You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.’ — Patek Philippe started this now ubiquitous marketing campaign in 1966 and never looked back, though they already had an outstanding legacy since the watchmaker was founded in the year 1839. Patek built its reputation on several foundational pillars: tradition, innovation, and excellence, all of which are paramount in every timepiece they make, both old and new. 

If it weren't for the Nautilus or Grand Complications series, Patek Philippe would undoubtedly be best known for the Calatrava. The Patek Philippe Calatrava is the truest representation of the classic dress watch, and was first introduced to the world in 1932 with the model reference 92. The sleek round cases of the Calatrava often feature extremely simple, yet perfectly executed designs with elegant dials that lack all unnecessary obstructions. A true "must-have" for any Patek collector or dress watch aficionado.

While there are nearly countless options and iterations of Patek's classic dress watch line, we love the Calatrava ref. 1578 in 18K rose gold for its timeless design and universal size. The large-for-its-measurements 35mm case boasts long lugs that appear to be very thin and angular from the top view of the watch, only to reveal a rather deep and round design from the side view of the watch. Not only is this lug design a trick of the eyes but also introduced both a geometrical element and increases the overall visual size of the watch while on wrist, which makes the ref. 1578 perfect for most wrist sizes. The Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 1578 employs the well-respected in-house caliber 27 SC, which is a manual winding movement with a center seconds hand.

Stock # PPC1578R
Brand Patek Philippe
Style Calatrava
Model 1578R
Serial 70XXXX / 67XXXX
Size Men's
Material 18K Rose Gold
Dial Silver
Millimeters 35
Strap 2pc Patek Philippe Brown Alligator Strap W/ 18K RG Tang Buckle

 

CASE & BRACELET

The 18K rose gold case is in truly impressive condition, especially for its age, with super crisp finishing present on the flat sides of the lugs, the factory angles on display throughout, and minimal signs of use present. The unsigned rose gold crown is believed to be original to the watch. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc brown alligator "Cousu Main" Patek Philippe strap with the original unsigned 18K rose gold tang buckle. 

DIAL & HANDS

The original satin silver dial features applied rose gold Arabic numerals at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock markers and is in excellent condition overall, exhibiting only subtle elements of age with no notable damage present. The rose gold hands are also in excellent condition and the blue seconds hand creates a stunning contrast with the dial.

ACCESSORIES 

The watch comes with an Extract From The Archives from Patek Philippe. The watch is keeping time perfectly, backed by our 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.

More to Explore