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. 3593J that we have here embodies that same design language perfectly. Launched in 19370and produced for 5 years until 1974, the ref. 3593 was quietly luxurious timepiece for its time at 33mm diameter. Made of 18kt yellw gold and boasting a champagne Roman numeral dial, this example is still practical for a modern collector as it merges the Calatrava's original design brief in its purest form with a diameter that contemporary collectors can still enjoy in a classical dress watch.

Love the 1970s vibe here. The 3593J’s gilt dial and slim yellow gold case are quietly luxurious. A time-only watch with a lot of character — only 33 mm but makes a big statement.