Released in 1932 and named after the cross that the Calatrava Knights paraded around Spain and Portugal during the 12th and 13th centuries, the Patek Philippe Calatrava was released as a simple timepiece with broad appeal that would help secure Patek Philippe's finances following Jean and Charles Henri Stern's investment in the brand in the same year. Designed with a strict Bauhaus-inspired aesthetic in mind, the Calatrava used, and continues to use, simplicity as its means of establishing intrigue around the craftsmanship required to construct such a stunning timepiece. Without a complicated movement or a busy design, collectors gravitate towards the Calatrava's clean aesthetic and practicality, and the ref. 3435R we have here embodies that same design language perfectly. Launched in 1960 and offered until 1970, it is a tremendously rare timepiece with only around 500 examples made across all variants. Powered by the automatic cal. 27-460 movement, the ref. 3435 is a 34mm Calatrava with the collection’s unapologetically stoic design with thin straight lugs, a thin bezel, and an uncluttered silver dial made by Stern Freres, which has aged to include a light brown color on this example. Most notably, however, this example is also offered on a stunning 18kt rose gold brick bracelet that gives the watch an unrivalled wrist presence in comparison to other Calatrava models of its era.

Mid-century Patek Philippe at its best. The warm rose gold case paired with an original factory bracelet makes this 3435R feel like fine jewelry. It’s clean and minimalist, but inside is the 27-460M automatic movement. Beautifully preserved and ready to wear, it’s a refined piece that silently screams quality and vintage charm.