Introduction
Introduced in 2005 as the successor to the ref. 5000, the Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 6000 represented an unusually adventurous interpretation of the manufacture’s traditional dress watch. Its 37mm case was considerably larger than the 33mm ref. 5000, but the more significant departure was its dial architecture. Rather than the restrained symmetry normally associated with the Calatrava, the 6000 combines an off-centre subsidiary seconds display at four o’clock with a pointer date arranged around the dial’s perimeter, creating one of the most immediately recognisable modern Calatrava designs.
This 2017 ref. 6000G is housed in 18K white gold and features the blue dial introduced after the model’s original black-dial configuration. Beneath the unconventional display is the ultra-thin automatic calibre 240 PS, whose micro-rotor architecture allows the movement to remain remarkably slender despite the additional pointer-date mechanism. It is an appealing example of a period when Patek Philippe was prepared to push the Calatrava considerably beyond its traditionally conservative visual language.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, Certificate of Origin, booklets, document holder, setting pin and two spare straps
Est. value range
$15,000 – $25,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
37mm
Model
Calatrava
Movement
Automatic Patek Philippe calibre 240 PS
Reference
6000G
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
2017
Condition
Excellent
Material
18K White Gold
Included
Box, Certificate of Origin, booklets, document holder, setting pin and two spare straps
Dial Color
Blue
THE DIAL
The blue dial is defined by its deliberately unconventional architecture, with subsidiary seconds positioned at four o’clock and a pointer date running around the perimeter. Multiple scales, Arabic numerals and contrasting typography create a surprisingly dynamic composition while retaining the precision and legibility expected of Patek Philippe.
THE CONSTRUCTION
The 37mm case is fashioned from 18K white gold, representing a significant increase over the 33mm ref. 5000 that preceded it. Its simple polished case and conventional lugs provide a deliberately restrained framework for the far more elaborate dial, while a sapphire case back reveals the calibre 240 PS within.
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 excellent condition. The 18K white gold case shows a number of surface scratches and small nicks, with a couple of more noticeable marks near the corrector on the non-crown side. All hallmarks on the backs of the lugs remain crisp. The Calatrava Cross-embossed winding crown is in excellent condition, as is the corrector. The dial and hands are in near-mint condition. It is fitted with a navy leather strap and 18K white gold deployant clasp showing surface scuffs. Comes with inner and outer boxes, Certificate of Origin, booklets, document holder, setting pin, and two spare straps.
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
The ref. 6000G is one of the more individual Calatravas of the modern era. Its asymmetric seconds, peripheral pointer date and densely layered blue dial are far removed from the minimalist formula usually associated with the collection, yet the slim micro-rotor calibre 240 and beautifully restrained white gold case remain unmistakably Patek Philippe. With its original documentation and later manufacture service, this is a particularly well-supported example.
John Reardon
Collectability.com
