The Patek Philippe Calatrava Collection Distinctive Watches For Distinctive People
Patek Philippe Calatrava is the name given to an iconic collection of watches made by Patek Philippe, a Swiss maker of luxury timepieces and chronographs. The firm is known around the world as one of the leading luxury watch brands. The firm is often compared with well-known brands like Blancpain, Baume & Mercier, Breitling, Chanel, Gucci, Movado, Raymond Weil, Armani, Christian Dior and Dolce & Gabbana.
The Patek Philippe Company was originally founded in Geneva on 1 May 1839 by Antoni Patek, a businessman, who partnered with Jean A Philippe, a watchmaker. The firm has been making outstanding timepieces ever since. The Calatrava line of watches was started almost a hundred years later in 1932.
One of the most noteworthy items ever made by the company is the so-called Graves Supercomplication. This timepiece is one of the most valuable watches ever made. When it was auctioned in New York City during December 1999 at Sotheby’s, it sold for about eleven million dollars. That price, at that time, made it the most expensive watch ever sold.
The watch was ordered during the late-1920s by Henry Graves, Jr. He was from the prominent 19th century Graves banking family. The timepiece is designed as a pocket watch, a very fashionable style during the early 20th century. The word ‘complication’ is an horological term. It refers to a function provided by the timepiece in addition to the usual counting of time. For example, the Graves Supercomplication has a customized celestial chart based on the night sky above the Graves home in New York.
The Graves Supercomplication watch has 24 complications. It took PP over five years to design and craft the piece. It is comprised of about 900 individual components.
The piece was commissioned by Henry Graves Jr. As part of a private and somewhat whimsical competition he had agreed to with James Ward Packard, an automobile producer from Ohio. Both Graves and Packard were members of extremely wealthy families. Their contest reflected their shared arcane passion for horology. They had pitted themselves against one another to commission a watch with the greatest number of complications. Once the Supercomplication was completed by Patek Philippe, Graves won the private contest.
The Calatrava collection features hobnail patterns or polished bezels and boast sleek designs with ultra thin cases to reflect quiet, discreet elegance and classic design. The collection is renowned for including pieces that are ultra-thin and extremely complicated.
For example, the Calatrava 6000R features a subtle classic design. Highlights include a mechanically self-winding movement plus date display. It has a distinctive dial inspired by the dash of vintage racing cars. It also features a rose gold watch case and a subtle brown and silvery-grey dial.
In summary, Patek Philippe Calatrava watches are designed to live on for generations. To enhance the longevity of all Patek Philippe watches, regular servicing is recommended. This should be completed at least every five years, but ideally every three years if possible. The servicing should be performed by a service center that has been accredited by the company.
You will find a complete summary of the reasons why you should buy a Patek Philippe Calatrava watch and a list of the features of Patek Philippe watches on our site, today.