Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 3466A - 'Beyer' Dial Unpolished

The Patek Philippe Calatrava. Arguably the brands most iconic model line, and purest expression of the brand. Their raison d'etre if you will.

The line has been a hit since its debut in 1932. So much so, that the name "Calatrava" itself has become something of a byword within the watch industry for traditionally styled, no-frills dress watches that simply tell the time. Over the course of its nearly 100-years of production, there have been seemingly countless iterations within the line, with variations in the metal they are made in, with their size, dial configurations, and eventually, complications.

The Calatrava that we have here, a Reference 3466, is a rare stainless steel example dating to circa the mid 1960s. The case remains unpolished, showing strong factory finishing and shows normal signs of wear throughout. The very faint ring on the case band remains visible and the lugs retain defined finishing. Inside, the silver dial is beautifully preserved, with consistent color and vibrant sunburst finishing throughout. It shows only the faintest signs of wear within the subsidiary seconds register and on the edges. The correct, matching 'pencil' handset is in fantastic condition and compliments the applied indices beautifully. Inside, Patek's Calibre 27-460 automatic-winding movement beats away within.

Last but not least, this piece is further elevated by two details that contribute to a rare example indeed. It comes fitted with a Patek Philippe brown leather strap with a signed steel buckle and an additional retailer signature on the dial within the subsidiary seconds register.

Stainless steel Calatravas are rare to begin with... factor in the additional signature and the condition that this piece remains in and you're left with a very special piece indeed.

There are watches, and then there are watches! This is one of the latter.