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. However, not all members of the Calatrava family are born equal, and members of the Rare Handcrafts collection are a testament to that fact, with the ref. 5077P that we have here the perfect example of that. Boasting a completely polished 38mm case and automatic cal. 240 movement, this example’s piece de resistance is its incredible cloisonne enamel dial that has been meticulously created by an artisan to resemble the feathers of a pheasant with hues of blue, green, black and gold combining to create a stunning image that celebrates the wonderful talents that Patek Philippe’s artisans command over their art. Created using thin gold wires to create the image on a gold dial plate before the partitions ("cloisons" in French) are filled with colored enamel powder and then fired in a furnace at around 1000 degrees Celsius to melt the powder and create a glassy image that is then polished, the ref. 5077P-089’s dial is an example in the lengths watchmakers will go to create a piece of art.

Boasting an exceedingly beautiful cloisonne enamel dial, this Calatrava is no ordinary Calatrava, indeed it is part of the Rare Handcrafts collection that showcases the true capability and talent that Patek's artisans have at their disposal.