Patek Philippe’s Calatrava is a true horological icon, and a family of wristwatches considered by many collectors as being amongst the most beautiful time-only watches of all time. First introduced in 1932 and still in production today, their earliest reference 96 set the mold for a line of legendary timepieces that are immediately recognizable thanks to enduring design codes that have gracefully evolved over more than eight decades. In 1938, the firm released their very first ‘large’ Calatrava models, increasing the case diameter from a small 30mm to 36mm. Two models were introduced - the reference 530 with concave bezel and the reference 570, like the present watch, with flat cylindrical bezel. The model was manufactured until 1972 and was sold with a wide variety of dials, encased predominantly in yellow gold, and rarely in pink gold, white gold, stainless steel and platinum.

This reference 570 is fresh to the market and a well preserved example of the famed model. The oversized yellow gold case is superbly proportioned, and the flat bezel elegantly frames the lovely silvered dial. In a world where complications are thought to be the height of desirability, elegant, ‘simple’ watches of the early 20th century with timeless designs command equal attention. Preserved in wonderful condition, the case furthermore features strong hallmarks, sharp edges, and its original curves and proportions.