Patek Philippe Calatrava 438 Breguet Luminous Dial and Hands 18k YG
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. 438 that we have here embodies that same design language perfectly. Launched in 1935 as a “boy-size Calatrava,” the ref. 438 was a smaller version of the original Calatrava with a 28mm case instead of the 31mm used by the ref. 96. Designed as a slightly sportier watch, it was the very first Patek to feature a screw-down caseback and offer its wearer some water resistance, making it far more capable than most other dress watches at the time. Featuring radium luminous blued hands and hour marker plots, this example’s silver dial provides a window back in time to how watches used to be made, with its applied Breguet numerals completing the design of this impeccable timepiece.
Brand : Patek Philippe
Model : Calatrava
Reference : 438
Year : Circa 1945
Material : 18kt yellow gold
Dial Color : Silver
Dimensions : 28mm
Movement : Manual-wind cal. 10-110
Bracelet : 14kt yellow gold non-original bracelet
Condition : Very Good
Included : Watch only
THE DIAL Boasting blued radium-filled hands atop its darkened silver dial with applied Breguet numerals, this example's dial hosts a wonderfully distinct vintage appeal.
THE CONSTRUCTION While its 14kt yellow gold beads of rice bracelet is not original to the watch, this ref. 438 benefits from the additional presence it provides, allowing it to be worn much more easily than it svelte 28mm diameter would first have you assume.
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.
