PATEK PHILIPPE 2508 J CALATRAVA 18K

The reference 2508 Calatrava embodies so many of the things that prized in a vintage watch: elegance, classical styling, innovation, and of course beauty. Of course, gold watches age with a luster and grace that is so special… they achieve such a rich hue. This vintage Calatrava will make a most valued timepiece for the fortunate new owner.

The dial is 100% original and untouched. It has developed a rich gold color patina over the years, which wonderfully complements its original golden dauphine hands, blued sweep seconds hand, and the applied golden hour markers. There is some light spotting on the dial, but it is minor and only in a small area. This dial is what is known among collectors as a “pie pan” dial, since its edge slants down and away from the main surface. There is a minutes and seconds chapter at the dial’s periphery.

Case is 18k yellow gold with simple lines and excellent harmony in its proportions. The bezel is approximately the same width as the lugs; the crown is perfectly sized for the case; the crystal is bombe acrylic; and the lugs arch down. It’s such a great looking watch case. The top surfaces of the watch are polish finished, and the case sides are brush finished. This watch still has its original factory finish and is in mint condition. Case dimensions are 35mm diameter, 42.5mm long from lug tip to lug tip, and 11.5mm thick.

My mention in the first paragraph of this watch embodying innovation is due to the massive screw down case back on this watch. It was one of Patek’s earliest attempts at rendering a case truly resistant to moisture and/or particle intrusion. The case back is engraved “E.S.K. 1955”.

Movement is the manual winding Patek Philippe Caliber 27SC with 18 jewels; adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and in 5 positions; double stamped with the Geneva Seal. The movement resides beneath not only the massive solid gold screw back, but also under a second metal protective dust cap. When you lay your eyes on this beautiful machine, you will understand why Patek Philippe went to such great lengths to protect it! The caliber is beautifully finished, and its layout is aesthetically pleasing. The movement is pristine and running great.

Strap is a modern black Patek Philippe crocodile strap with 18k gold Patek tang clasp.