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
1962
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.
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
Watch is in overall very good condition. The yellow gold case shows surface scratches and some softening to the lugs, while the case back has some deeper scratches and small nicks. The hallmarks on the rear of the lugs remain legible. The Calatrava cross-embossed winding crown shows light wear. The dial has some light spotting and discoloration around the outer edge, most noticeably between 10 and 12 o’clock. It is fitted with a new black Patek Philippe leather strap and a yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle. Comes with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.
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
