Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Vintage. No box or paper but sold with archive certificate issued by factory & a Passions box.

According to the factory records, this watch was manufactured in 1954 and sold on 5 March 1955.

This Calatrava is a little barn find and has gathered a natural patina on it's gold case that can be easily removed with oxide polish but it takes decades to achieve this so we'll leave it to the buyer. The acrylic crystal is also showing stress marks due to age which can be replaced and again, we leave it to the buyer as the current trend in vintage collecting is to leave them as original as can be with little intervention.

The reference 96 Calatrava is Patek’s defining icon and a model that so many brands attempt to emulate. What we have here is a very rare reference 2545 that has an increased case size of 2mm and a waterproof case-back that present-day watch collectors would appreciate. The 12-400 calibre is jewelled to the center, has a shock-proof protection and fine swan-neck regulator while the bridges are finished to receive double Geneva seal stampings. The movement is in excellent condition and shines beautifully under light as can be seen. A testament of cherished care over the past seven decades.

The case has been well preserved and gold hallmarks are visible while the dial and hands are in mint condition. Sold with original strap and 18K buckle. 

A very charming pedigree watch for the astute collector at a fraction to the cost of modern Pateks.