Reference 2464 Watch Only Specifications Year: Circa 1950sModel: CalatravaCase Diameter: 32.5mm Lug to Lug: 38mmCase: Solid Gold Dial: SilverMovement: Manual Condition The case looks to have been polished in the past but has been done tastefully. The dial has some signs of aging with marks of wear but nothing excessive. The dial features the original black enamel text and minute track. The watch comes on our lizard strap and buckle. The Story The first Patek Philippe Calatrava watch was created in 1932, when pocket watches were still in existence and wristwatches were emerging. David Penney, a fan of the Bauhaus style of industrial and interior design, designed the first Calatrava, the Reference 96, in gold with an ivory dial featuring applied gold markers and a small subsidiary seconds dial at 6:00. This "form follows function" watch was powered by a Jaeger-LeCoultre mechanical caliber.Brothers Jean and Charles Henri Stern, who owned a dial manufacturing company in Switzerland, purchased the Patek Philippe brand from previous owners and sought a new watch model that would complement their complicated timepieces. They named the new timepiece Calatrava, referencing the symbol of the 12th century Calatrava Knights of Spain and Portugal. The original Calatrava Reference 96 was produced for over 40 years, with notable renditions including the larger 35.5mm version (Ref. 570) in 1938.In 1953, Patek Philippe unveiled its first-ever automatic Calatrava, Ref. 2526, in a 36mm case with enamel dials and a round bezel. Fewer than 600 of these were made, and they are still in demand by collectors today. In 1973, Patek Philippe unveiled the signature Calatrava: the Ref. 3520, featuring a stunning bezel with Clous de Paris guilloche combined with straight, polished lugs.One of the most beloved pieces is the Officer's Style Calatrava with straight lugs and a hinged dust cover protecting the transparent case back. This may have been the design impetus for the Reference 5524G pilot's watch, which featured Patek Philippe's patented Travel Time mechanism and a new version with different dial color this year.Today, Patek Philippe has a healthy number of Calatrava references in its line up, making it one of the most celebrated collections in all of watchmaking. The Calatrava is a versatile timepiece that goes from business to evening to casual weekend wear, making an understated yet magnetic statement. The Brand Patek Philippe, a renowned watch brand, is known for its exceptional watchmaking and elegant aesthetics. One of its most coveted collections is the Calatrava, which has been stealing hearts for decades. The first Calatrava watch was created in 1932 by David Penney, who was inspired by the Bauhaus style of industrial and interior design. The first Calatrava was a small 31mm round watch with integrated lugs on the three-part case, which made it comfortable on the wrist.Brothers Jean and Charles Henri Stern, who owned a dial manufacturing company in Switzerland, purchased the Patek Philippe brand from previous owners and wanted a new watch model that would complement their complicated timepieces. They named the new timepiece Calatrava, referencing the symbol of the 12th century Calatrava Knights of Spain and Portugal. The original Calatrava Reference 96 was produced for over 40 years, with notable renditions including a larger 35.5mm version (Ref. 570) in 1938.In 1953, Patek Philippe unveiled its first-ever automatic Calatrava, Ref. 2526, in a 36mm case with enamel dials and a round bezel. Fewer than 600 of these were made and are still in demand by collectors today. In 1973, Patek Philippe unveiled what modern collectors consider the signature Calatrava: the Ref. 3520, featuring a stunning bezel with Clous de Paris guilloche combined with straight, polished lugs.One of the more beloved pieces is the Officer's Style Calatrava with straight lugs and a hinged dust cover protecting the transparent case back. This Officer's Style may have been the design impetus for the Reference 5524G pilot's watch, which featured Patek Philippe's patented Travel Time mechanism and a new version with different dial color this year.Today, Patek Philippe has a healthy number of Calatrava references in its line up and remains one of the most celebrated collections in all of watchmaking. The Calatrava is a versatile timepiece that goes from business to evening to casual weekend wear, making an understated yet magnetic statement.
