Shop Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Calatrava Watches With Bezel
Are you looking to buy a Patek Philippe Calatrava timepiece? You can get your hands on one of the world's most coveted luxury dress watches by shopping on Bezel. Considered the epitome of sophisticated minimalism, the Calatrava is famous for its classic and elegant design. All models and variants in this collection feature clean lines and refined aesthetics. These qualities make it famous with experienced collectors and beginners just starting to build their catalog of luxury watches. The timeless design and lasting charm of this watch also make it a valuable investment piece and a great store of value.
The Legacy of Patek Philippe Calatrava Watches
The Patek Philippe Calatrava is the quintessential dress watch and one of the most iconic watches in Patek’s catalog. Very few dress watches are as popular as the Calatrava, as it is considered the true definition of what a dress watch should look like. The history of this timepiece is also longer than that of many other luxury dress watches.
The Calatrava collection was introduced officially in 1932, the same year the Stern family purchased the Patek Philippe company. This was at the height of the Great Depression. The company faced huge financial troubles and needed a major success to survive.
It was at this time that the Calatrava collection was introduced. The minimalist style of this watch was based on the famous Bauhaus design movement, which focuses on simplicity and refined beauty. The German design philosophy was based on a “form follows function” principle, which favors the most optimal design for effective functionality over complex aesthetics or excessive ornamentation.
Like most Calatrava watches today, the earliest versions of this watch are characterized by their simple round cases featuring a slim profile and clean dials with minimalist hour markers. Although the Calatrava collection was created officially in the 1930s, the name of the collection has been associated with the Patek Philippe brand for a long time. The Calatrava name refers to Patek Philippe’s logo–an elaborate cross associated with an ancient order of Spanish knights since the Middle Ages.
The earliest Calatrava models featured manually wound mechanical movements for the first two decades. In 1953, the watchmaker began introducing Calatrava models with automatic movements. Modern versions of this watch include various design variations, including quartz-powered options, complicated models, and even some ornate dials and cases lavishly decorated with factory-set diamonds.
How Much Does a Patek Philippe Calatrava Cost
The Calatrava collection has been in continuous production for close to a century. This means the collection now has many variations, including cheap vintage and more expensive contemporary models. Most models are simple time-only watches, which are more affordable than many other Patek collections. However, they are also mostly produced with precious metals, which can add to their cost.
Retail Cost
The Patek Philippe Calatrava collection offers several timepieces across various prices. The retail cost of New Calatrava watches typically starts at about $30,000 for the most basic models.
However, more elaborate or exclusive pieces tend to be more expensive. Calatrava models with date displays, a second time zone, or an annual calendar complication cost about $45,000 to $75,000. A platinum casing automatically elevates the Patek Philippe Calatrava price, with most examples with this case option selling above $60,000. Some more complex references with platinum casing may sell well above $100,000.
How Much Does a Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Calatrava Cost?
The pre-owned luxury watch market provides many great options for collectors seeking to own older Patek Philippe Calatrava watches or buy contemporary models without getting on long wait lists.
The most affordable pre-owned Patek Philippe Calatrava watches are vintage quartz-powered models, with pricing starting at around $7,700 in secondary marketplaces. Entry-level mechanical models may also be found at $15,000.
Popular and more recent Calatrava Patek models are characterized by their notably higher prices than older models. On average, most contemporary gold variants cost about $27,000, while platinum versions may cost over $46,000.
The Calatrava collection also has a few watches on the high end of the price spectrum. These are typically complicated models with more elaborate dials or heavy ornamentations. For these, you should budget about $109,500 or higher.
Despite their age, early references and particularly rare variants tend to be more expensive as they’re considered investment-grade pieces with great value-gain potential. These watches typically exceed the $100,000 price point.
Key Features of Patek Philippe Calatrava Watches
Elegant Round cases
All Patek Philippe Calatrava watches are characterized by their simple round case and slim profile. The case thickness generally ranges from 7mm to 9mm, which makes them slim enough to slide smoothly under cuffs, contributing to their elegant appearance. This is why the Calatrava is considered the quintessential classic dress watch today. Many dress watches with this profile are loosely called Calatrava watches, even though they’re not even Patek Philippe watches in the first place.
Simple Dial
The understated elegance of Calatrava watches is showcased by their extremely simple dial designs. Most models are time-only, with hour markers featuring Roman numerals or applied batons. However, even the more complex models with date and other complications retain balanced and harmonious dial layouts. The watchmaker favors understated but sophisticated hands, such as dauphine or leaf-style hands that fit seamlessly into the Calatrava’s design theme.
Precious Metals
Patek Philippe Calatrava watches are high-end luxury watches. While there are a few vintage stainless steel models, most Calatrava watches have their cases constructed from precious metals such as gold (white, rose, and yellow gold) and platinum.
Leather Strap
Keeping their profile as elegant dress watches, most Calatrava models are paired with straps made from high-quality alligator leather, available in various colors. The leather straps enhance the classic, dressy aesthetics of Calatrava watches while ensuring comfort and versatility.
Popular Patek Philippe Calatrava Watches
The current lineup of Calatrava watches includes a wide selection of men's and women’s watches. Some notable references have been released over the years, with some versions featuring distinctive hobnail bezels, Roman numerals, complications, and other prominent features that set them apart from the rest of the collection. Some of the most notable Calatrava watches released so far are listed below:
Selling Your Patek Philippe Calatrava is Easy with Bezel
If you're considering selling your Patek Philippe Calatrava timepiece, Bezel provides a seamless process to help you get this done and get the true value of your watch. Our pre-owned luxury watch marketplace connects sellers with enthusiastic buyers, offering a seamless buying and selling experience.
In addition to providing a way to list your Calatrava watch for sale, our team of experts will also be on hand to assist you with every stage of the sales process, from appraising the value of your watch to promoting it to a wider audience. We will also provide expert guidance and handle inquiries from potential buyers, making the sales process as effortless for you as possible.
Turn to Bezel for All of Your Luxury Wristwatch Needs
Bezel is the prime destination for purchasing modern vintage and contemporary Patek Philippe Calatrava watches. Our robust marketplace also lists some of the most sought-after pre-owned luxury watches from the biggest brands, including Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Omega, Cartier, Richard Mille, and so on.
The marketplace is easy to navigate for everyone. The Bezel app and site offer a modern and intuitive interface where you can find specific models by searching or filtering your options. To purchase particular models that aren’t listed on the site right now, you can use Bezel’s concierge services. Our service reps will help you source specific models through our trusted sellers and industry insiders' network.
Bezel offers a highly curated and authenticated inventory verified by a comprehensive in-house authentication process. This ensures that every watch we offer meets the highest quality and originality industry standards. All purchases are covered by a buyer protection policy so that you can shop with confidence. Bezel is committed to helping you find the perfect pre-owned luxury watch that aligns with your style and preferences.
