Patek Philippe Calatrava

Patek Philippe has long been known for its complicated watchmaking, but following the stock market crash of 1929, fewer clients had the means to purchase these high-end timepieces. After securing a controlling interest in the firm, Jean and Charles Henri Stern decided to to create a simple watch that would come in at a lower price point and appeal to the firm’s clientele.  Using the principles espoused by the Bauhaus school and its minimalist, function-first philosophy, the company conceived the simple Reference 96. It was only in the 1980s that this series of simple dress watches would receive a dedicated collection designation, Calatrava, which takes its name from the Spanish military order established in the 12th century that serves as the symbol of Patek Philippe. These days, 'Calatrava' is a byword for a simple dress watch — even from brands other than Patek Philippe.  This piece, a Reference 7200/200R-001, takes the idea of this simple men's dress watch and adopts it into an ele