Favorite Calatrava and Why

[AHG]

I’m looking to finally take a dip in the Patek world. I’d like to keep the budget under $15k, but up to $20k for an exceptional piece. Therefore, I assume most of these will fall into the “Calatrava” or similar references. Given those loose parameters, what’s your favorite reference. Educate me please.
Cheers!

[ZOU11]

5196P, 6119G, you won't be disappointed

[wetsum3]

In that range up to 20k, the 5196 is about perfect. Find yourself a nice Preowned G or R.

They are great watches. Timeless, forever-style pieces. Easy to wear and versatile.

[AHG]

Originally Posted by ZOU11

5196P, 6119G, you won't be disappointed

Those are both beautiful but beyond the price point. Older references are fair game too.


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[djona]

Another vote for the 5196.

[Berettameier]

If you have a small wrist: 5115R.

[ts3]

Another one for a small wrist: 3998P. The P may be slightly above your budget by now, but the J is not.

5196P and 6119G suggested above are miles above your budget.

5196G and R are beautiful watches if you are able to look past the small movement. They wear a larger than one might think.

I recommend visiting some ADs and preowned dealers to find out how various pieces look on your wrist.

[jon_jon]

For Calatravas, an important thing to consider is automatic vs manual wind.

The 5196 is a great watch (I own the P version), but it is manual wind. You will have to wind it every day or two.

If you are looking at automatic watches, you may need to search some of the discontinued models if you want to be in the $15k-$20k range.

Some of the older Calatravas are quite small in diameter for today's standard. So if you can, you may want to try them on your wrist to check for sizing.

[2nastie]

I don't think you can go wrong with a 5196G or R. Both classics and fits the price range.

I'm considering adding a 5196G myself if I can find the right example.

[Calatrava r]

5120G on the full gold bracelet. Beautiful and very comfortable. On a strap the 5296G sector dial is amazing.

[scurfa]

My favourite and I’m sorry I’ve posted the same picture a few times now

[Will_L]

5212A, the watch for a modern businessman !

[scarlet knight]

My favorite is mine.


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[NYG1121]

5296g sector dial. Amazingly versatile, can be a daily watch with automatic movement and date, perfect proportions, strap monster. Prices now in mid 20s but you might be able to still source one cheaper

[QuelleHeureEstIl]

Old references have so many varieties. Everyone can find something. The only issue may be the size if you have a medium or large wrist.

My absolutely favorites are the 3417A, the 5196P and some rare handcrafted ones.

[enjoythemusic]

3820... look it up online for more info.

The vintage pieces, to me, are the way to go as it was when Patek was in their heyday and they made great efforts to create / modify movements, hand decoration, etc. Back then PP was considered amongst the leaders within the field.

Have not been a fan of newer models as ask around as Patek has fallen behind the curve for well over a decade (maybe two), which is 100% fine as there are some truly exceptional independents out there if you want true top-sheld horology. Personally, find a great independent as that'd be the way i'd go.

We know on these entry-level Patek models have more mass-poduced movements as compared to cherished vintage models. So, again, if you're seeking a Patek Calatrava seek out vintage models would be my humble suggestion. Had about 10+ PPs over the decades, the below is the only one i cared to keep as the more modern pieces are now long gone.

You do have a great question OP, as there are many excellent independent watchmakers creating hand-crafted masterpieces. Keep looking at various brands OP, keep educating yourself, and when you find the right one she's sing to you.

There will be no need to ask anyone, you'll intrinsically know when you found the right timepiece for you.

Love my 3820, the only Patek left standing after 20 years.

Patek_3820rg_large.jpg

[AHG]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

3820... look it up online for more info.

The vintage pieces, to me, are the way to go as it was when Patek was in their heyday and they made great efforts to create / modify movements, hand decoration, etc. Back then PP was considered amongst the leaders within the field.

Have not been a fan of newer models as ask around as Patek has fallen behind the curve for well over a decade (maybe two), which is 100% fine as there are some truly exceptional independents out there if you want true top-sheld horology. Personally, find a great independent as that'd be the way i'd go.

We know on these entry-level Patek models have more mass-poduced movements as compared to cherished vintage models. So, again, if you're seeking a Patek Calatrava seek out vintage models would be my humble suggestion. Had about 10+ PPs over the decades, the below is the only one i cared to keep as the more modern pieces are now long gone.

You do have a great question OP, as there are many excellent independent watchmakers creating hand-crafted masterpieces. Keep looking at various brands OP, keep educating yourself, and when you find the right one she's sing to you.

There will be no need to ask anyone, you'll intrinsically know when you found the right timepiece for you.

Love my 3820, the only Patek left standing after 20 years.

Attachment 1253781

Gorgeous piece. And thank you for the thoughtful insight.

[pulpfiction]

Is a 5196P under $20k? The few I see on Chrono 24 are going for much more

[AHG]

I wish. I love the Breguet numbers. They trade at just under retail which is $40k


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[skkali168]

i am looking into moving into the PP world as well. I wanted to spend under 20k but getting hard to do now a days. I have 7inch wrist so i am abit worried that anything smaller than 37mm but be to small. i know i know, that people with bigger wrists wear smaller but its the feeling i get when i wear smaller pieces. most rolexes are just a little bulky and heavy so i got used to it.

[Andre2499]

Originally Posted by AHG

I wish. I love the Breguet numbers. They trade at just under retail which is $40k


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Seems 5196P has been discontinued today

[brkn]

5227G-010 is my favorite.

[Big Tex Rolex]

This one … and if it was available in Yellow Gold, it would already be part of my collection … beautiful …









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[77T]

My choice was already cited by another poster back in November - but never a bad time to “play it again”




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[Ragnarok]

For under 20k you can find a 2429 in yellow gold

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[azizu]

less than 20K i would suggest the 5196 for sure.
white or rose gold are good, but i might lean towards yellow gold because i feel it ages better than the other two metals
of course platinum is great but i believe it might be out of your budget

[jfriedkin]

My original 96 in steel with special sauce.

[EUguy]

Why not take a look at the 5134 model, which is a Calatrava Travel Time? I for one don’t understand why this model does not get more love, certainly with the popularity of Patek’s practical travel time complication. Certainly the one with the newer numerals are still quite modern while the version with the original numerals is very classy and more formal.

[AHG]

I agree that the 5134 is a beautiful reference.

[SoylentGreenChi]

Originally Posted by jfriedkin

My original 96 in steel with special sauce.

Stunning!