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. 2457J that we have here embodies that same design language perfectly. Launched in 1949 to replace the original ref. 96, the ref. 2457 was a traditional Calatrava for the time with a 31.5mm case made in 18kt yellow gold, a silver dial, a center seconds display. Still practical for a modern collector, the ref. 2457 takes the Calatrava's original design brief in its purest form and retains the collection’s ethos as a minimalist mid-century dress watch.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. The yellow gold case presents very well, with surface scratches visible on the bezel and case back. Well-defined hallmarks remains visible on the crown side of the case as well as the rear of one of the lugs. The crown shows a few small nicks. The dial is very clean, as are the hands. The Patek Philippe signature on the dial is strong and well defined. There are some scratches visible on the crystal. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and a yellow gold-toned pin buckle.

Taking over from the ref. 96, the ref. 2457J leans on the blueprint of a perfect dress watch and retains the Calatrava's minimalist aesthetic with its 31.5mm 18kt yellow gold case and understated silver dial.