Why This Watch Matters

According to the Patek Philippe Archives, this fresh-to-market Calatrava in stainless steel was made in 1948 and originally sold on April 6, 1949.

The Full Story

The defining characteristics of a Calatrava are that it is a time-only watch built by Patek Philippe. The prestigious Swiss brand has produced many different Calatrava models since the watch that set the standard, ref. 96, was released in the 1930s. Most Calatravas are made from precious metal, so finding a vintage Calatrava in steel is extremely rare.

The example we have here is a ref. 2410 cased in stainless steel. It features a three-part case with a snap-on caseback and a silvered two-tone sector dial. This watch was made in 1948, therefore it has the longer Patek Philippe & Co. signature on the dial. This was done until roughly 1948/1949, when the company switched its dials over to read simply "Patek Philippe." The dial also features applied Roman numerals made of steel at three, six, nine, and 12 o'clock. The rest of the hour markers are hard enamel, as is the minute track around the edge of the dial and the long signature. The dial on this example is in great condition. Only a few examples of ref. 2410 have previously come to market.

Patek Philippe builds most of its contemporary watches in precious metals like gold and platinum, and this holds true for its vintage models as well. Stainless steel timepieces from Patek Philippe are rare to begin with, especially ones dating to the 1940s. Collectors tend to gravitate toward vintage Patek Philippe watches in stainless steel because of this rarity.

The Fine Print

Maker: Patek Philippe
Model: Calatrava
Reference: 2410
Year: 1948
Case No: 650592 / Movement No: 952206
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 33mm diameter; 9.5mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: No
Caliber: Patek Philippe manual winding 10-200
Bracelet/Strap:
Lug Width: 18mm thickness
Box/Papers: The extract from the Archives of Patek Philippe will be shipped once it has been received at HODINKEE headquarters. The extract has already been ordered, and the above information was provided by Patek Philippe.

What we Love and What You Should Know

This Calatrava is in great condition. The case is strong with some scratches. The caseback has a single deeper scratch. The dial and hands are in great condition. The dial has a few scratches. The hour markers have developed patina. The hard enamel signature and accents on the dial are all intact. The crystal has scratches.