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. 2557J we have here embodies that same design language perfectly. Launched in the mid-1950s and made until the early 1960s, the ref. 2557 is one of the Calatrava’s legendary mid-century references. Boasting a gorgeous and very rare black dial, the ref. 2557 that we have here sports an aesthetic of pure luxury. With 18kt yellow gold applied indices and hands, and gilt script its display is tremendously refined, as is its 32mm 18kt yellow gold case. Entirely polished and featuring a curvaceous domed bezel that flows between its sloping lugs, the resulting profile is one of ease and gentle refinement.

Watch is in overall excellent condition. The yellow gold case shows surface scratches and small nicks, as expected for a watch of this vintage. The case back has scratches consistent with being removed over the years. The black dial is excellent, and the hands are clean. There is some minor oxidation visible on some of the applied indexes. The crystal shows some scratches. It is fitted with a black leather strap and a gold-coloured pin buckle. Comes with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives that mentions the black dial.

Stylistically distinct thanks to its rare black dial and easy on the wrist thanks to its gentle case, this ref. 2557 truly has the best of both worlds.