As an icon of watchmaking, the Calatrava line’s timeless appeal lives on in its latest iteration
To the well-heeled man and woman, no wardrobe is complete without a proper dress watch. More than a mere timekeeping device, an elegant timepiece can add an element of sophistication to any ensemble. The dress watch is loved for its timeless appeal and versatility, and the right one can easily be worn from the office to cocktails or formal occasions. A truly well-designed piece even has the ability to elevate a casual outfit from a simple functional choice to a sartorial statement.
Widely recognized as the quintessential dress watch, the Patek Philippe Calatrava is the watchmaker’s flagship model, and takes its name from the cross used as the manufacture’s logo.
Its first model—the Ref. 96, which was launched in 1932—achieved instant popularity thanks to its modern, minimalist design inspired by the German Bauhaus movement. Over the years, the Calatrava has been known for its sleek lines, slim casing, and understated elegance. In fact, Patek Philippe calls it the “very essence of the round wristwatch.”
In 1991,the limited edition self-winding Ref. 5000 presented a sportier take on the Calatrava. Its graphic design included a tongue-in-cheek element: an asymmetrical subsidiary seconds dial between 4 and 5 o’clock. It became an extraordinary success and was quickly sought after by collectors. In 2005, the Ref. 6000 took its predecessor’s design and added an analog date along the outer circumference of the dial. Its date indicator was tipped with a red crescent.
Created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of its acclaimed self-winding caliber 240 movement, the Ref. 6006G retains it predecessors’ offset subsidiary seconds dial and analog date. It has also been enlarged by 2 mm, giving it extra prominence on the wrist and highlighting its slender proportions.
