Patek PhilippeCalatrava

This watch was purchased by the current owner directly from a Patek Philippe boutique and is offered as a full set, including the box, certificate of origin, booklets and leather folio, and the original swing tags. Lightly worn the watch shows no noticeable marks to the case and only light creasing to the strap, commensurate with being stored with the buckle fastened. The places the watch within the bounds on the seller’s AA condition grading.

Cased in platinum, the Calatrava 5088 is an imposing 38mm in diameter. The most striking aspect of the watch is the dial which showcases 2 different hand-craft techniques, engraving and champlevé enamelling. The volutes and arabesques worked in silver against a dense black background are in contrast to the simplicity of the Calatrava case. Unlike the similar watch produced in an Ellipse case for that model’s 50^th anniversary, the Calatrava extends the engraving work around the band of the case middle and down the lugs.

The watch is powered by the ultra-thin automatic calibre 240, which runs at 3Hz and offers an impressive 48hrs power reserve. Completing the formal appearance, the watch is fitted to a black alligator strap with a platinum pin buckle.

Patek Phillipe’s Rare Handcrafts collection showcases the finest artistry across marquetry, guilloché, stone setting, engraving, and enamelling. These creations, whether clock, pocket, or wristwatch, are produced in extremely limited numbers. The 5088/100P-001 is unusual as it combines both the art of engraving and enamelling in a style known as champlevé which dates back to Celtic times. This combines both surface decoration and the creation of deeper areas for background colour. The intricate intertwining of volutes and arabesques are carved directly into a dial of solid 18k white gold. Equally important are the voids created between the tendrils as this is where the enameller will hand apply the jet black enamel. Once hardened this is polished back to create a lustrous finish.

All watches offered for sale are searched and cleared against The Watch Register database and a certificate is available to the winning bidder upon request.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Watch Collecting requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.