The Calatrava - puristic elegance

The Calatrava model by Patek Philippe is the prototype of the elegant, round wristwatch. The aesthetic round shape plays a special role in the Patek Philippe Calatrava. The luxury watches of Patek Philippe inspire today as already then with balanced elegance. The Calatrava model by Patek Philippe also embodies the style of the Swiss watch manufacturer and is compatible with all trends, so that several generations can enjoy the chronograph. The Calatrava, for example, offers a wide polished bezel, an extra flat design and a Clous-de-Paris pattern. This makes the Calatrava collection highly versatile in its design.The Calatrava model by Patek Philippe - a brief summary of the five highlights:A tradition that has proven itself since 1932first Patek Philippe chronometer with reference number (96)elegant cases in white, red and yellow goldone of the most prestigious and famous dresswatchesManufacture calibre.

Inspiration from the Bauhaus style

The Patek Philippe Calatrava did not always have the image of a conservative timepiece. The first models of this collection appeared as early as 1932 and thus have an impressive history. Hardly any other brand can look back on this history. The designers of Patek Philippe's luxury watches were not bound to traditions at the time, but were interested in innovation. At the beginning of the 1930s, the founders of the watch manufactory were inspired by the Bauhaus style - a German art school. Bauhaus means a focus on the essential and any renunciation of ornate details. At that time, the Calatrava was an innovation.

Historical company emblem - the Lilienkreuz

The Calatrava series got its name from the lily cross, a symbol worn in the Middle Ages by a Spanish-Catholic knightly order. Jean-Adrien Philippe comes from the village that bears the Calatrava cross in its coat of arms. This is probably one reason why the noble brand uses the motif as a company emblem. In 1887, Patek Philippe registered the symbol as a logo. The Spanish-Catholic Order of Knights Calatrava was founded in 1158 and took the Lily Cross as a symbol after monks rescued the city of the same name from Arab invaders. Antoine Patek was a devout Catholic and probably knew the historical significance of the symbol. From 1887 onwards, the Patek Philippe brand first produced pocket watches and then noble wristwatches marked with the Calatrava cross. The emblem is located on the case backs, winding crowns and clasps of Patek Philippe luxury watches. The elegant Calatrava model by Patek Philippe has been the company's flagship since 1932 (reference 96), making it the company's most frequently produced timepiece. The design of Patek Philippe's Calatrava model still recalls the symbolism of the Calatrava cross - timeless simplicity and elegance (e.g. reference 5196G-001).