Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1995 Reference No: 5032 Movement No: 1’200’312 Case No: 2'989'489 Model Name: Calatrava Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Gilt buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, red leather presentation box, envelop and product literature. Further accompanied by Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1995 and its subsequent sale on February 12, 1996
Catalogue Essay
When Patek Philippe first introduced the Calatrava model in 1932, they set the stage for arguably the most iconic dress watch of the century. Still produced today, the design has changed over the ages but the classic DNA remains the same. The reference 5032 is an ultra-thin Calatrava in production from 1995 to 2001. Presented in three series, the first like the present watch with metalic dial, the second with a silvered dial and flatter bezel and crown and in 2000 a millennium example made in 100 timepieces. The two piece case by Favure-Perret features a screw back and downturned lugs.
This example of the reference 5032 is in very good overall condition and while with wear, it remains unpolished. Fresh to the market, it is accompanied by original certificate of origin and presentation box, only sporadically examples of the model have appeared in public. While time only watches are not as desirable as more complex watches, the Calatrava is a master among so many, and this is a rare opportunity to own not only a Calatrava but a rare example.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.