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. 570 we have here embodies that same design language perfectly. Launched in 1938 and produced for 30 years, the ref. 570 was a larger version of the original Calatrava (the ref. 96) with a 35.5mm case instead of the 31mm used by the ref. 96. Still practical for a modern collector, the ref. 570 merges the Calatrava's original design brief in its purest form with a diameter that contemporary collectors can enjoy to this very day.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$20,000 – $30,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
35.5mm
Model
Calatrava
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 12-400
Reference
570
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1950
Condition
Very good
Material
18kt white gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
Featuring its famed Bauhaus-inspired design language, the Calatrava ref. 570 features a simple dial with just applied faceted hour markers and sharp dauphine hands to add visual interest.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Nicknamed the "Calatravone," the ref. 570 has its large 35.5mm case diameter to thank for its nickname and outstanding, and rather contemporary, fit 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
Case is in excellent overall condition. Crisp edges and lugs, with minor wear on surface. Watch appears to have previously been worn on a bracelet as there are indentions visible on the back of each of the four lugs. The hallmark remains crisp and visible. The crystal is scratched as shown, and the dial has some spotting on the dial and discoloration around the track. There is a more prominent mark visible on the dial between the 11 and 12 indexes. Watch comes on a generic strap with a generic steel buckle.
Our Perspective
A calculated release on Patek's behalf as they noticed the shrinking demand for the ref. 96's small 31mm case, the ref. 570 was Patek's legendary solution to a contentious topic watchmakers still haven't resolved to this day; how big should watches be?
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
