1970 Patek Philippe Calatrava 3579

Patek Philippe in its nearly two centuries of existence has weathered everything from world wars to the quartz crisis of the 1980s. Today, it is still widely recognized as one of the most successful and prestigious watchmakers, with its creations adorning the wrists of everyone from bankers and politicians to rappers and actors.

The Calatrava era has dominated the watchmaking world for years. Launched in 1932, the Calatrava has become the quintessential round wristwatch and one of the great symbols of Patek Philippe style. As the ultimate elegant dress watch, it has won over generation after generation with its timeless perfection and extreme sobriety.

This Ref. 3579 is representative of a period when Patek Philippe was beginning to experiment, a harbinger of a desire for modernity in their models. It is at the beginning of the 70’s that we see this very little produced piece, which takes up the spirit of the Calatrava with a more contemporary and assertive design.

This rare model (approx. 200 made) features a steel cushion case, a material rarely used by Patek Philipp, and a sunny blue dial. The whole is embellished by polished silver applied indexes and simple hands so as not to spoil the sleek style of the whole. This piece comes with its original buckle from Patek Philippe.

It is powered by the hand-wound caliber 23-300, which is reputed to be reliable, precise and compact. It naturally bears the Poinçon de Genève, which is unique in its accreditation as it focuses on the art of decorating a movement with finesse and skill, in the style of Geneva watchmaking.