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
Extract of the Archives
Est. value range
$12,000 – $18,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
35.5mm
Model
Calatrava
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 27SC
Reference
570J
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
1957
Condition
Very Good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch and Extract from the Archives
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.
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.
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.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows some oxidation and small scratches and marks. Edges of bezel and case show some softness. The original dial is in very good condition. Enamel signature is intact including the accent on Geneve. There are various scratches visible on the dial surface, primarily located between 12 and 2 o'clock. Oxidation visible on a few of the faceted indexes. Watch comes on a generic strap with a plated pin buckle.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
Launched as part of Patek's attempt to appease to the growing demands for larger watches at the time, the ref. 570 and the ref. 565 (the ref. 570's less traditional and sportier counterpart), both sought to find an answer to the question "how big should watches be?".
Justin Gruenberg
Co-founder
