
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Patek Philippe Calatrava (Ref. 1578R) 18K RG, 1953
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- 1953
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 35 mm
- Stock no.
- PPC1578R
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (PPC1578R)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1953 Patek Philippe Calatrava (Ref. 1578R) 18K RG W/ Extract From The Archives (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number PPC1578R), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1953. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 35 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Craft & Tailored
'You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.’ — Patek Philippe started this now ubiquitous marketing campaign in 1966 and never looked back, though they already had an outstanding legacy since the watchmaker was founded in the year 1839. Patek built its reputation on several foundational pillars: tradition, innovation, and excellence, all of which are paramount in every timepiece they make, both old and new. If it weren't for the Nautilus or Grand Complications series, Patek Philippe would undoubtedly be best known for the Calatrava. The Patek Philippe Calatrava is the truest representation of the classic dress watch, and was first introduced to the world in 1932 with the model reference 92. The sleek round cases of the Calatrava often feature extremely simple, yet perfectly executed designs with elegant dials that lack all unnecessary obstructions. A true "must-have" for any Patek collector or dress watch aficionado. While there are nearly countless options and iterations of Patek's classic dress watch line, we love the Calatrava ref. 1578 in 18K rose gold for its timeless design and universal size. The large-for-its-measurements 35mm case boasts long lugs that appear to be very thin and angular from the top view of the watch, only to reveal a rather deep and round design from the side view of the watch. Not only is this lug design a trick of the eyes but also introduced both a geometrical element and increases the overall visual size of the watch while on wrist, which makes the ref. 1578 perfect for most wrist sizes. The Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 1578 employs the well-respected in-house caliber 27 SC, which is a manual winding movement with a center seconds hand. Stock # PPC1578R Brand Patek Philippe Style Calatrava Model 1578R Serial 70XXXX / 67XXXX Size Men's Material 18K Rose Gold Dial Silver Millimeters 35 Strap 2pc Patek Philippe Brown Alligator Strap W/ 18K RG Tang Buckle CASE & BRACELET The 18K rose gold case is in truly impressive condition, especially for its age, with super crisp finishing present on the flat sides of the lugs, the factory angles on display throughout, and minimal signs of use present. The unsigned rose gold crown is believed to be original to the watch. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc brown alligator "Cousu Main" Patek Philippe strap with the original unsigned 18K rose gold tang buckle. DIAL & HANDS The original satin silver dial features applied rose gold Arabic numerals at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock markers and is in excellent condition overall, exhibiting only subtle elements of age with no notable damage present. The rose gold hands are also in excellent condition and the blue seconds hand creates a stunning contrast with the dial. ACCESSORIES
Historical context
Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.
The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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