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. 2573 we have here embodies that same design language perfectly. Launched in the 1950s, the ref. 2573 features a traditional 33mm case that is only slightly larger than original Calatrava’s 31mm case, as used by the ref. 96. While svelte by today’s standards, the ref. 2573 merges the Calatrava's original design brief in its purest form with a slightly larger diameter that will allow contemporary collectors to enjoy to this intensely elegant 18kt yellow gold timepiece much in the same way that original buyers of the Calatrava would have back in the 1930s.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8.5
Status
Patek Philippe
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$4,000 – $6,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
32mm
Model
Vintage
Movement
Manual-wind cal. 23-300
Reference
2573
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1960s
Condition
Very good
Material
18kt yellow gold
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
White
THE DIAL
Boasting a silver-grey dial with aged gold applied indices and pristine hands to match its 18kt yellow gold case, the ref. 2573 opts for an understated approach. In the spirit of this understated approach, this example's dial features the ultimate "If you know, you know" detail with its original retailer's signature applied to the dial just above its subdial at 6 o'clock. With their long history selling Patek's watches, Beyer is one of the most sought-after retailer signatures.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Measuring just 2mm larger than the original Calatrava, the ref. 2573 offers an authentic experience of what it would have been like to wear a Calatrava back when the collection first debuted in the 1930s but with a slightly more contemporary form.
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 very good vintage condition. Case exhibits some wear, with soft edges and corners. Dial has some surface marks visible, but both the Patek Philippe and Beyer signature are strong.
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
A timeless dress watch that has transcended watchmaking, the Calatrava is a timepiece that will always stay in fashion, as proven by how much modern collectors still enjoy references like the ref. 3426, amongst plenty of others.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
