180 Patek Philippe A very elegant and rare Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 534 in stainless steel with two-tone dial
Estimate: €15,000 – 30,000
Model: Calatrava
Material: Stainless Steel
Reference N°: 534
Year: 1945
Case N°: 508590
Caliber: 12-120
Movement N°: 927761
Bracelet: leather strap
Dimensions: 30mm
Signed: Dial, Case and movement
Accessories: Extract from the archives
Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in steel in 1945 and its subsequent sale on January 24th 1946.
The first Calatrava launched in 1932 by Patek Philippe was the iconic reference 96 designed by English horologist David Penney and inspired by the German art movement of Bauhaus. This watch immediately became synonymous of prestige and elegance and was a source of inspiration for many later models like the 570, 2526 and 5196 just to name a few. Another model which took inspiration was for sure the reference 534, whose production started 5 years later than the 96, in 1937 and continued until 1947. Commonly realized with noble material such as yellow or pink gold following the tradition of Patek Philippe, for the bet of our knowledge very few examples have been manufactured in stainless steel and only 6 pieces total passed through the auction market. The lot offered here is a wonderful specimen in stainless steel in incredibly amazing condition. The watch appears like it has never been worn during all its life since there is no sign on the case. The straight and thin lugs are very uncommon for a Calatrava model and, moreover, for a Patek creation but they create a perfect picture together with the 30 mm circular case. The dial is even more beautiful, and shocks for its two-tone composition, the baton and Arabic numerals, the feuille hands and the subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock with concentric guillochè decoration. Extremely fine example of elegance, despite its small dimensions, this watch is a superb and very rare gem produced by Patek Philippe and a must-have for every collection.