Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 2533

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

The Patek Philippe Calatrava. Arguably the brands most iconic model line, and purest expression of the brand. Their raison d'etre if you will. The line has been a hit since its debut in 1932. So much so, that the name "Calatrava" itself has become something of a byword within the watch industry for traditionally styled, no-frills dress watches that simply tell the time. Over the course of its nearly 100-years of production, there have been seemingly countless iterations within the line, with variations in the metal they are made in, with their size, dial configurations, and eventually, complications. The Calatrava that we have here is a Reference 2533 dating to circa the 1953. This example is executed in solid yellow gold and houses a beautiful 'opalin' silver dial inside. The case itself is wonderfully sized at just over 34mm in diameter and features with a 'stepped' lug design, with turned down nicely and all remain symmetrical. But it is the silver dial within that is the highlight of this piece. Satin in its finishing, it is nicely preserved with a largely clean surface, stunning applied Radium-filled 'arrowhead' indices, and excellent raised text. Around the center post, an almost 'floral' pattern has developed — likely as a result of the 'Radium burn' from the handset having say for many years at some point in its life. Last but not least, this piece is accompanied by its certificate of origin dated 5/21/1954. The Reference 2533 presents excellent value on the Calatrava spectrum, particularly when compared to its predecessor, the Reference 565. There are watches, and then there are watches! This is one of the latter.