Why This Watch Matters This Patek Philippe Calatrava carries on the legacy of one of the greatest watch designs of the 20th century. The Full Story The Calatrava is all about understated elegance executed at the highest level. Patek Philippe has been responsible for creating this beautiful, dressy design since the 1930s, starting with the ref. 96. But today, let's take a look at the ref. 3796 in 18k yellow gold. It measures about 30.5mm in diameter, a size that may seem on the smaller side. And yet, the lugs are slightly elongated and gently curved to give it a larger presence on the wrist than the numbers lead you to expect. The polished finish on the top and bottom of the lugs and the satin finish on the sides and caseback demonstrate the care that went into the finishing of the case. The silver dial has a soft shimmery cream tone, which adds a lovely warmth to match the gold applied baton makers, the gold round dotted minute markers, and the sharp dauphine hands. The text is minimal, just “PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE” across two lines, and SWISS at the bottom. The crown is marked by the traditional Calatrava cross. The movement inside has a beautifully finished, manually wound caliber 215 PS ("PS" stands for Petite Seconde). The finishing on the movement shows Patek Philippe's pride in taking the utmost care even in places most people will never see. It's a slim caliber, measuring only 21.9mm in diameter and 2.55mm in height, proudly stamped with the Geneva Seal, ensuring that the highest standards were met in its creation and decoration. The Fine Print Maker: Patek PhilippeModel: CalatravaReference: 3796Year: 1980sCase No: 2807321Movement No: 1355239Material: 18k yellow goldDimensions: 30.5mm diameter; 7mm thicknessCrystal: SapphireLume: NoCaliber: Patek Philippe, manually-wound, caliber 215PSBracelet/Strap: Patek Philippe brown crocodile watch strap with 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckleLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Classic Calatrava design- Excellent overall condition- Sapphire crystal- Patek Philippe strap and buckle Things To Know: - Light scratches on case and crystal The watch is in excellent vintage condition. The case is overall well-preserved with some light scratches. It appears that the case has been lightly polished. The hallmarks are still clearly visible on the caseback. The opening notch on the caseback shows wear on the edge from being removed. The dial is clean with little noticeable wear. The hands and the hour markers have developed light patina. The case, dial, movement, and crown are signed by Patek. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9nch wrist. *NOTE: Please be aware that this watch comes with a crocodile leather strap. If the watch is shipped to any international destination, we will not be able to send the alligator strap with it due to laws regarding the sale and shipment of exotic leather goods.
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