On Valentine’s Day, Make Your Loved One’s Heart ‘Sing’ With A Patek Philippe Calatrava Watch
Timepieces Likened To Classical Art Movements
Patek Philippe dares to name its stunning timepieces ‘Classical Art Movements.’ After viewing images of its men’s and lady’s Calatrava models, one can only agree with this assessment. Some of these pieces are intricately detailed and can best be described as ‘breathtaking.’ No wonder the Swiss watchmaker has run ads for years depicting a father and son or a mother and daughter enjoying time together with the theme being the passing down of one of these magnificent timepieces from one generation to another!
You may remember the ten-year success run of its famous ‘Generations’ print advertising campaign, which launched in 1996 and ended in 2007, with photos taken by world-famous photographers such as Mary Ellen Mark and Peggy Sirota.
Who Needs ‘Complications?’
You might be wondering (particularly on this special day when we celebrate with our Valentines), “Who needs complications?” With the family-owned firm of Patek Philippe, a ‘Complication’ is described as the addition to any one of their magnificent timepieces of an horological function beyond just the display of minutes, seconds and hours. ‘Complications’ fall into two categories. Per the manufacturer, ‘Complications’ include the addition of one or more hands that perform functions relative to time, such as an annual calendar or World time and ‘Grand Complications’ involve the addition of such things as split-second chronographs, astronomical indicators, etc.
Regarding its Calatrava series, Patek Philippe has imbued some of the more elaborate pieces with ‘Complications.’ This manufacturer is unique in the timepiece world, due to the fact that they carefully monitor and control all stages of the production process. This includes not only the distribution of the finished products, but the design, assembly and finishing processes as well. How telling then, when the company states that their timepieces are truly art. That pretty well sums it up. Knowing, as we surely do, that scarcity often increases the value of any given item, it is no surprise that Patek Philippe produces many of its timepieces in limited quantities. This applies to some of the pieces in their Calatrava collection. Some of the better-known models are produced in quantities of only a few hundred, while others are manufactured in quantities as small as five!
Might the amazing Calatrava Reference 6000 be such a piece? Featuring a dial design reminiscent of vintage race car dashboard instrumentation, it offers a rose gold case with a classic brown and silver-gray combination dial.
The manufacturer tells us that to craft this piece profoundly challenges the artistry and skill of its watchmakers, since all carving and beveling are done entirely by hand. Remember that Patek Philippe watches are designed to last for generations. This means that they are often passed down from father to son or mother to daughter. Regular maintenance service by an accredited Patek Philippe service center is recommended every three to five years to ensure that one’s timepiece will stand the test of time and can be passed along to a loved one.