PATEK PHILIPPE

Calatrava

Ref. 570

The reference 570 was introduced in 1938 and is the 2nd ever produced Calatrava. It essentially corrected the initial Calatrava (reference 96) main negative feedback from Patek’s clients: its 31 mm diameter. The 570 features a 35.5mm diameter, sweeping central seconds and dauphine hands (elongated lozenge shape) signing THE classic configuration of the Calatrava model in collector’s heart. It was produced in platinum, in yellow, white, pink gold and a few in stainless steel.

The Calatrava takes its name from the ornate Calatrava cross, first used on the marching banners of the knights who defended the city of Calatrava (Nuova Castiglia) in 1158. Although the name and Calatrava cross were registered as a trademark on April 27th, 1887, it only started to appear more regularly on the crowns and movements of Patek Philippe watches from the 1960s onwards.

Patek Philippe watch aesthetics, often inspired by the Bauhaus principle that form should follow function, shaped the minimalist design created by David Penney for the Ref. 96. In keeping with this, the dial is clean and understated, featuring ‘Patek Philippe’ and ‘Geneve’ at 12 o’clock. The polished, rose-gold Dauphine hands correspond harmoniously with the dial, and compliment perfectly the faceted hour markers, also made in rose-gold. Around the outer edge, a rarely seen minute-track configuration is found.

The 35.5mm case has a elegant, flat bezel that is so identifiable to the Calatrava series, and wears comfortably on the wrist. The watch has its original crown with raised Calatrava cross and polished case-back, correctly hallmarked inside. The inside-case features the watch’s unique reference number (307 XXX), as well as the manufacturer’s signature.

Powered by a manually-wound calibre 27SC (signed “Patek Philippe & Co.“), the movement is nickel-plated with Côtes de Genève embellishment and held in place by a large movement screw. This highly-finished twenty-jewel movement was developed and assembled by the famous Geneva watchmaker, Victorin Piguet.

This Patek Philippe Reference 570R-SCI comes on a brown alligator leather strap and corresponding rose-gold, tang buckle, signed by the brand.