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. 5088/100P-001 that we have here the perfect example of that. Launched in 2014 as part of the brand’s 175th anniversary celebrations, the ref. 5088P is an intensely rare and exceptionally executed exhibition of Patek Philippe’s artisanal capabilities. Boasting a completely polished 38mm case powered by the automatic cal. 240 movement, this example’s piece de resistance is its incredible champlevé black enamel dial with Volutes and Arabesque decoration. Using champlevé enamelling techniques, the dial is hand-engraved from a solid piece of 18ct white gold before the enameller fills the remaining voids with black enamel to complete this piece of pure artisanal excellence. The same technique is used on the ref. 5088’s midcase to create harmony between its physical construction and dial. A rhythmic pattern adorned with foliage and leaves that wrap and twist in and out of one another, the ref. 5088P truly is out of this world.

An exceptionally rare watch simply due to how difficult it is to manufacture on account of combining two of Patek Philippe's métiers d'art, engraving and enamelling for both its case and dial, the ref. 5088/100P-001 showcases the breadth and width of Patek Philippe's talents as an artisanal watchmaker.