Patek Philippe has long been known for its complicated watchmaking, but following the stock market crash of 1929, fewer clients had the means to purchase these high-end timepieces. After securing a controlling interest in the firm, Jean and Charles Henri Stern decided to enlist the help of an English designer named David Penney to create a simple watch that would come in at a lower price point and appeal to the firm’s clientele.
Using the principles espoused by the Bauhaus school and its minimalist, function-first philosophy, Penney conceived the Calatrava, taking its name from the Spanish military order established in the 12th century which had become the symbol of Patek Philippe. Since its debut in 1932, the Calatrava has become a byword for a simple, time-only dress watch — even from brands other than Patek itself.
This piece, a Reference 6007G, isn’t your run-of-the-mill Calatrava. Debuted in 2023 in three individual colorways — red, blue and yellow — this particular Calatrava features an array of automotive-eqsque design cues that easily makes it the sportiest 'Trava in their modern lineup.
Housed in a 40mm 18K white gold case, this piece features a polished bezel and case complemented by a sapphire crystal and a signed crown. The black luminous dial features a matching white gold handset and radially configured, luminous, white gold Arabic indices. Straying away from the traditional dressier aesthetics of the Calatrava model, the Patek Philippe design team elected to add sportier design notes with its center dial adorned with a 'carbon' finish and a yellow accented, checker-style, minute track.
Outfitted to a signed black leather strap with a matching 'carbon' embossing, contrast yellow stitching and a spade-style 18K white gold pin buckle, this piece comes with all of its factory goodes including its inner box, out box, signed leather folio, books and a Certificate of Origin dated August, 2023.
Traditional Calatrava aesthetics were thrown out the window on this one and we're here for it!