The Finest Vintage

IT'S INCREDIBLE TO THINK that the new Calatrava didn't make the biggest wave among Patek Philippe's novelties this year. Despite being one of the most celebrated collections in its impressive repertoire, the watch took a backseat to the maison's audacious releases this year, which includes the Cubitus (Patek Philippe's first-ever square watch) and the Reference 27000M-001, an ornate desk clock with perpetual calendar and weekly calendar complications, and a power reserve of 31 days.

- SUFFIAN HAKIM

But while the Cubitus targeted new clientele and the Reference 27000M-001 is a limited edition for collectors, the Calatrava 8 Days reminds us why we fell in love with Patek Philippe.

The Calatrava 8 Days is the latest in a long line of watches crafted for simple elegance. Since its debut in 1932 with the Reference 96, its round cases, pure lines, and minimalism aesthetically defined the collection. This simple elegance makes it the perfect base for the maison to implement its complications.

As far back as 1937, Patek Philippe released an "Heure Universelle" variation of the Reference 96 that came with a world-time complication.

In 1953, the Calatrava Reference 2526 became one of the first automatic wristwatches, and features a small seconds sub-dial. More recently, 2019's Calatrava Weekly Calendar Reference 5212A-001 features a weekly calendar complication rarely seen on a wristwatch.