1988 PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA – 3919J

The simple, elegant Calatrava dress watch has been a constant in the Patek Philippe collection since its introduction in 1932. The model takes its name from the Calatrava cross, an ancient ornate cruciform symbol that Patek Philippe registered as a trademark in 1887.

In 1973 Patek Philippe produced the first Calatrava with the “Clous de Paris” guilloche bezel (known in English speaking nations as the hobnail bezel, a feature that has almost become the signature of the Calatrava. Reference 3919 was produced between 1985 and 2006. This particular timepiece was manufactured in April 1988 (identifiable by the PKNN date code on the certificate of origin).

The case is 18ct yellow gold; the essential dimensions are – 33.5mm diameter (excluding crown); 39mm lug-to-lug. The watch is 6.5mm thick. The hobnail pattern is turned by hand on a Rose Engine and consists of pyramid-shaped accents in concentric circles.

The dial is white lacquered, with black painted Roman numerals and signature. The feuille (or leaf) hands are made from white gold, nickel blackened. The crown features the Calatrava cross signature. The movement is the Patek Philippe Cal 215. Hand-wound, 2.55mm thick, with 130 parts and 18 jewels. It has a 44-hour power reserve and beats at 22,800 vph (4 Hz). It features a Gyromax free-sprung balance and bears the Geneva Seal.

The strap is almost new, Patek Philippe, Black, large square-scale Alligator Leather with calf lining and monotone stitched with 18ct gold signed buckle. The watch comes complete with the original box, outer card box, and certificate of origin.

The watch was serviced by Patek Philippe in December 2018 (service papers included). The watch dial and hands are in pristine condition. The bezel has some small nicks to the inner edge. The lugs have scratches to their inner edge and the case back has very fine scratches around the perimeter. The strap is unmarked with some light creasing from being fastened. The condition grade would fall within the ‘A’ category.