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skippy1416 · 17 May 2012, 12:53 PM

Hello,

I'm looking to get back into a Patek after a ten year absence. I once had a beautiful 60's Calatrava that I loved but it had seen some humidity over the years and it needed some significant work which was beyond my budget so I regretfully sold it. I now find myself in a position to once again consider getting another Patek and I am trying to decide which model to pursue. I originally was thinking about an Aquanaut but I keep seeing Calatravas that I really like. I am wondering if a more modern Calatrava would be robust enough to wear daily. I do walk to work and I have a seven year old son so sweat and the odd knock are going to happen. I currently wear a 70's Rolex Datejust most days and as much as I like it I would expect that if I bought another Patek I would want to wear it almost everyday.

Do you guys think that a Calatrava would be up to the job?

HL65 · 17 May 2012, 08:51 PM

I certainly do--these watches are made for wearing. Now if you work construction--no. If you are a diver--no.Too many people seem to think just because a watch is a Patek it can't be worn every day and is fragile. I have owned many supposed fragile watches over the years and found them all to be great daily wearers! So--Go for it!

herbie911 · 17 May 2012, 10:51 PM

I wore my Calatrava 5127G to work for at least 12 months before I sold it. The 324 sc movement is reliable and accurate. Remember, this is one of the simplest Patek. Less mechanical=less parts to go wrong!
As long as you remember to take it off when you go swimming, gardening or washing your car, you be alright!
Warning-The leather strap aren't cheap to replace when worn-out!

kilyung · 17 May 2012, 11:42 PM

If I had to wear just one watch everyday to work, it would be a 5296G-010 or 5196P. The 30m water resistance would give me peace of mind but I'd probably want a summer strap.

FeelingTheBlues · 18 May 2012, 01:01 AM

Patek Philippe makes wonderful watches and, in my humble opinion, they can make great everyday watches (again, I'm pretty much like Ken and think any type of watch can be worn everyday, I've walked and been to school with dress watches several times). However, I must say it is probably a bit less tough than your Datejust so you may have to get used to small scratches over the years.

johnswatch · 18 May 2012, 05:37 AM

My 1940's Calatrava does office duties most days and I'm not worried about it. It was probably on someone's wrist for the last 50 or 60 years and I've no reason to think it won't last. I take care not to bang it about because it would be expensive to have Patek fix a balance staff (no shock protection back then) but other than that it's fit for purpose.

My 5296 gets worn at weekends during the cooler months and again I don't worry about it.

TSW · 18 May 2012, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelerfan65

i certainly do--these watches are made for wearing. Now if you work construction--no. If you are a diver--no.too many people seem to think just because a watch is a patek it can't be worn every day and is fragile. I have owned many supposed fragile watches over the years and found them all to be great daily wearers! So--go for it!

x2

skippy1416 · 18 May 2012, 07:25 AM

Thanks for all the responses. I'm not surprised that everyone endorses the idea but it is still nice to get confirmation. I suspect that any Calatrava with a water resistant case will be able to handle a reasonable amount of sweat and exposure. Let the shopping begin!

I am actually looking for a less dressy version of the Calatrava (no hobnail and probably white gold since I don't wear a suit to the office and I have a platinum wedding band). Since I really love a sub seconds hand a 3796 would probably do quite nicely.

dddrees · 18 May 2012, 08:02 AM

Good luck with your hunt Scott, please keep us posted.

FeelingTheBlues · 18 May 2012, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skippy1416

Thanks for all the responses. I'm not surprised that everyone endorses the idea but it is still nice to get confirmation. I suspect that any Calatrava with a water resistant case will be able to handle a reasonable amount of sweat and exposure. Let the shopping begin!

I am actually looking for a less dressy version of the Calatrava (no hobnail and probably white gold since I don't wear a suit to the office and I have a platinum wedding band). Since I really love a sub seconds hand a 3796 would probably do quite nicely.

If you're looking at a more casual Calatrava may I suggest you to take a look at the 5296G? I think it looks very casual but can still be worn with a suit if you ever need to wear one.

What do you think (it's not my picture but it gives you a good idea of what the dial looks like)?

skippy1416 · 18 May 2012, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FeelingTheBlues

If you're looking at a more casual Calatrava may I suggest you to take a look at the 5296G? I think it looks very casual but can still be worn with a suit if you ever need to wear one.

What do you think (it's not my picture but it gives you a good idea of what the dial looks like)?

That is a beautiful watch but unfortunately it is beyond my price range. I will only be able to swim in the shallowest part of the Patek pool. That is OK - I'm happy enough to just be part of the club.

FeelingTheBlues · 18 May 2012, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skippy1416

That is a beautiful watch but unfortunately it is beyond my price range. I will only be able to swim in the shallowest part of the Patek pool. That is OK - I'm happy enough to just be part of the club.

There's no shallow part in the Patek pool!

I'm sure you'll be thrilled with the model you'll buy, whatever this model is! Good hunt!

zeuloa · 19 May 2012, 06:44 AM

I don't own one, but I sure would wear it without hesitation!

gwalker · 19 May 2012, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skippy1416

That is a beautiful watch but unfortunately it is beyond my price range. I will only be able to swim in the shallowest part of the Patek pool. That is OK - I'm happy enough to just be part of the club.

That's like the shallow part of the Pacific ocean right. LOL. Great choice. Keep us posted.

psv · 19 May 2012, 08:17 AM

I wouldn't... and no, I don't work in constructions, but I won't wear anything that cannot be soaked in water or take a couple of hard knocks in a door frame, or something I have to take off to take my kids to the playground.

p_mcgee · 19 May 2012, 11:29 AM

I've got a 5196R. While its pretty sturdy, I wouldn't want to wear it daily. I think it would be fine to wear to a desk job everyday, and then out on weekends, but I would bum out if it got scratched up or dented.

17 May 2012, 12:53 PM	#1
skippy1416 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: Scott Location: Ottawa, CANADA Watch: PP 3410 AM Posts: 58	Calatrava - Robust Enough For Everyday Use? Hello, I'm looking to get back into a Patek after a ten year absence. I once had a beautiful 60's Calatrava that I loved but it had seen some humidity over the years and it needed some significant work which was beyond my budget so I regretfully sold it. I now find myself in a position to once again consider getting another Patek and I am trying to decide which model to pursue. I originally was thinking about an Aquanaut but I keep seeing Calatravas that I really like. I am wondering if a more modern Calatrava would be robust enough to wear daily. I do walk to work and I have a seven year old son so sweat and the odd knock are going to happen. I currently wear a 70's Rolex Datejust most days and as much as I like it I would expect that if I bought another Patek I would want to wear it almost everyday. Do you guys think that a Calatrava would be up to the job?

17 May 2012, 08:51 PM	#2
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 DATE-JUST41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 63,485	I certainly do--these watches are made for wearing. Now if you work construction--no. If you are a diver--no.Too many people seem to think just because a watch is a Patek it can't be worn every day and is fragile. I have owned many supposed fragile watches over the years and found them all to be great daily wearers! So--Go for it! __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

18 May 2012, 01:01 AM	#5
FeelingTheBlues "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: Carl Location: Always moving Watch: If you wish... Posts: 22,039	Patek Philippe makes wonderful watches and, in my humble opinion, they can make great everyday watches (again, I'm pretty much like Ken and think any type of watch can be worn everyday, I've walked and been to school with dress watches several times). However, I must say it is probably a bit less tough than your Datejust so you may have to get used to small scratches over the years. __________________ Mon corps c'est un pays en guerre sur l'point d'finir, Le général de l'armée de terre s'attend au pire, J'ai faim, j'ai frette, je suis trop faible pour me lever debout, On va hisser le drapeau blanc un point c'est tout. - André Fortin

18 May 2012, 05:37 AM	#6
johnswatch "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: in a dream world Posts: 488	My 1940's Calatrava does office duties most days and I'm not worried about it. It was probably on someone's wrist for the last 50 or 60 years and I've no reason to think it won't last. I take care not to bang it about because it would be expensive to have Patek fix a balance staff (no shock protection back then) but other than that it's fit for purpose. My 5296 gets worn at weekends during the cooler months and again I don't worry about it. __________________ 18k GMTIIc, II,16013 DJ, PAM 112, Patek ref 96J, Helson Bronze, Elgin Trench, Gruen Curvex, Omega F300 and a few others......

18 May 2012, 08:02 AM	#9
dddrees "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2010 Real Name: Dan Location: USA Watch: This N That Posts: 34,251	Good luck with your hunt Scott, please keep us posted. __________________ When it captures your imagination, that's when you know you have found your passion. Loyal Foot Soldier of The Nylon Nation. Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

17 May 2012, 10:51 PM	#3
herbie911 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: united kingdom Posts: 445	I wore my Calatrava 5127G to work for at least 12 months before I sold it. The 324 sc movement is reliable and accurate. Remember, this is one of the simplest Patek. Less mechanical=less parts to go wrong! As long as you remember to take it off when you go swimming, gardening or washing your car, you be alright! Warning-The leather strap aren't cheap to replace when worn-out!

17 May 2012, 11:42 PM	#4
kilyung 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,873	If I had to wear just one watch everyday to work, it would be a 5296G-010 or 5196P. The 30m water resistance would give me peace of mind but I'd probably want a summer strap.

18 May 2012, 07:25 AM	#8
skippy1416 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Real Name: Scott Location: Ottawa, CANADA Watch: PP 3410 AM Posts: 58	Thanks for all the responses. I'm not surprised that everyone endorses the idea but it is still nice to get confirmation. I suspect that any Calatrava with a water resistant case will be able to handle a reasonable amount of sweat and exposure. Let the shopping begin! I am actually looking for a less dressy version of the Calatrava (no hobnail and probably white gold since I don't wear a suit to the office and I have a platinum wedding band). Since I really love a sub seconds hand a 3796 would probably do quite nicely.

19 May 2012, 06:44 AM	#13
zeuloa "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Jose Location: Here Watch: SEA-DWELLER Posts: 2,232	I don't own one, but I sure would wear it without hesitation!

19 May 2012, 08:17 AM	#15
psv "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North America Posts: 11,066	I wouldn't... and no, I don't work in constructions, but I won't wear anything that cannot be soaked in water or take a couple of hard knocks in a door frame, or something I have to take off to take my kids to the playground.

19 May 2012, 11:29 AM	#16
p_mcgee "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Chicago Posts: 2,150	I've got a 5196R. While its pretty sturdy, I wouldn't want to wear it daily. I think it would be fine to wear to a desk job everyday, and then out on weekends, but I would bum out if it got scratched up or dented.

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