Introduction
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. 2494J that we have here embodies that same design language perfectly. Launched in the early 1950s and produced across a few hundred examples through the early 1960s, the ref. 2494J subscribes to the Calatrava’s signature construction style, with a classical 32.5mm round case which includes a thin domed bezel and svelte chamfered lugs, creating a rather stylish aesthetic. Powered by the manual-wind cal. 12-400 and featuring a silver dial with applied Arabic numerals at the quarter hours atop printed stick indices throughout, and thin sword hands, the resulting aesthetic is that of style, substance, and luxury.
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Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$8,000 – $12,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
32.5mm
Model
Calatrava
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 12-400
Reference
2494
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1950s
Condition
Very good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Sporting an understated silver dial with applied 18kt yellow gold Arabic numerals at the quarter hours atop printed indices and golde hands for its hours, minutes, and running seconds subdial, the ref. 2494J's display is a wonderful example of balance and refinement.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Measuring a classical 32.5mm in diameter, the ref. 2494J's 18kt yellow gold case is a wonderfully executed reminder of Patek Philippe's craftsmanship with its domed bezel and elegant lugs giving it a classical presence on the wrist.
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 a few more noticeable nicks, while the hallmarks on the backs of the lugs remain legible. The Calatrava cross winding crown remains well defined. The dial shows surface marks with a blemish visible above the Arabic 12 marker, while the hands show light scuffs. It is fitted with a brown crocodile Patek strap and a yellow gold Patek pin buckle, both remaining in excellent condition.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
The very definition of Patek Philippe, with its classic, refined, and understated design, the ref. 2494J is a wonderful example of a vintage Calatrava.
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
