Introduction
Typically known for its traditional dress watch aesthetic, the Calatrava is perhaps one of Patek Philippe’s most emblematic timepieces, with its precious metal case, leather straps, and elegant dials. Featuring all of those very tenets of design is the famed Calatrava ref. 1433. Launched in the late 1930s and produced until the late 1940s, the ref. 1433 weighs in at 29mm in diameter, around the average size for a dress watch back when it was being produced. Sporting a stunning silver dial with applied Roman numerals, the ref. 1433 features golden hands, applied stick hour markers, and tightly faceted lugs that feed into the aesthetic of its thin hour markers.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$5,000 – $8,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
29mm
Model
Calatrava
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 9-90
Reference
1433J
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1940
Condition
Very good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Featuring a silver dial with applied stick indices, applied Roman numerals, and a running seconds subdial at 6 o'clock, the ref. 1433's dial is understated and timeless.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Featuring a 29mm 18kt yellow gold case, the ref. 1433's construction is on the smaller side today, but it was perfectly in line with the sizing standards of the 1930s and 1940s.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall very good condition. The yellow gold case shows surface scratches and small nicks, along with some softening to the lugs. The gold hallmark on the mid case is still visible along the inner lip of the caseback. The case back displays surface scratches. The dial shows spotting across the surface and oxidation to the applied hour markers. The indelible long signature on the dial is soft in some areas, noticeably the top of the letter "A". The hands remain reasonably clean. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and a gold-toned pin buckle.
Please note: The watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.
Our Perspective
Classical and timeless in just about every way, the ref. 1433 is an icon of watchmaking design and of the Calatrava lineage.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
