Ref.3440J Calatrava with Champagne Dial in Yellow

In fact…

Introduced in 1961, this Calatrava model is considered to have a visibly fancy lugs from the side profile, with the bent down chamfered lugs. Adding a little sophistication to the usual Calatrava minimalist theme, the stepped bezel and recessed position for the crown creates an almost Disco Volante case, which we fancy. The condition of this piece is exceptional and the small details differentiating this piece from other Calatravas are what makes collecting them amusing. Calibre 27-460 at the heart of this piece presents the best of self-winding mechanical movement at that time and remains one of the maison’s most iconic movement till date.

The Calatrava was born in 1932, a significant year for the brand with significant developments such as introducing the first in-house manual-winding movement by Patek Philippe and the Stern brothers coming into control of the brand. 89 years in and still going strong, the Calatrava has been the iconic representation of Patek Philippe’s leadership in technology, craftsmanship and design. One of the greatest pleasure collecting Calatravas, in the words of most season collectors, was to discover the seemingly non-exhaustive variations of Calatravas that was produced since 1932.

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