Patek Philippe

Baron - Mr Red
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Inspiration of the modern Patek Philippe - DNA is everything (part 3)

The Calatrava is one of the longest-running styles of reference within Patek Philippe. Starting with the Reference 96 in 1932, References 565 and 570 started in 1938. Production of the 570 continued through to the mid-1960s. My 570G is one of the very last 570s ever produced. There have been many different styles of Calatrava references. In fact, many more than I had imagined. Today's website shows 34 different models of Calatrava. In terms of number of specific references, I believe there have been around 40 diferent references over the last 85  years.  Appearance can be quite different across these different references and even within reference, but there is a DNA that shows through very clearly. Despite all the changes in fashion and society, the 570 DNA that started in the 1930s and was produced until the mid-1960s can be seen most clearly in today’s modern Calatravas.  Taking a look at the two watches pictured below, the 570G is on the left ...dating from the mid-1960s whereas the 5227G is on the right....dating from today. Around 50 years between these two watches, yet is it so easy to tell which is the elder?

I have been running a series of themes investigating the roots and DNA of today’s modern Patek Philippe. Looking at the 5070, 5370 and now the 5227. I don’t own a modern Calatrava. It is my aim to do so. I do own several vintage Calatravas and I think it would be great to add a modern variant at some point. The 5227 obviously comes with date, which would not be my ideal preference. Nonetheless, the history of the Calatrava comes through so clearly in the Reference 5227.

The 570G is an absolute joy to wear. It is as happy with a suit as it is with a pair of jeans. The simplicity of the dial coupled with the central second feature adds a lot for me. Deciding on what modern Calatrava is more difficult. The 5227 is most definitely in the frame. I do wonder what the 5227P will be like.

Hope you enjoy this short insight into the history.