It’s unlikely a Rolex at first glance, whether today or back in 1949. But this interesting timepiece is a historically-significant model in Rolex’s line-up because it represented Rolex’s abilities to compete with other major watch manufacturers prior to the distinguished success with simpler watches based on the Oyster Case. This invaluable piece of Rolex’s history never fails to create the buzz at the auctions. Let’s talk about the Rolex Oyster Precision Ref.8171 Triple-Calendar and Moon-phase wrist watch, affectionately known as the “Padellone”.

In this Part II article of An Officer and A Gentleman, we discover what makes a gentleman’s dress watch and how the Patek Philippe Calatrava is integrated into the Officer’s Watch in the Patek Philippe Ref.3960.

The Patek Philippe Ref.3960 Officer Calatrava sits on the display shelf emanating old world antiquity. Let’s travel back in time to understand the intricate relationship between an Officer and a Calatrava.