The Patek Philippe Calatrava is one of the most iconic watch collections of all time, with each of its time-only members carrying a distinct, symbolic weightiness in their lightweight, formal wear. Patek is a brand that has been making high-quality and special watches since 1839, a brand that has created legends such as the 'Graves pocket watch' and a brand that breaks records at auctions time and again. What Rolls Royce is to the car enthusiast, what Attolini is to the lover of suits: Patek is at that height. The beauty of the brand is that it makes both Haute Complications and more 'simple' watches. Despite their simplicity, these watches are also finished to a high standard and equipped with beautiful 'manufacture' movements.
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This example is the ref. 2568, dating from c.1956, the Caseback has an engraving dating to February 1957, so it's very likely the piece dates from around the last quarter of 1956.
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. The Reference 2568 boasts an 18ct Rose Gold Case, with Faceted "Batman" (due to the shape of batman's ears) lugs. Beating away inside the high quality case lies the illustrious Patek Philippe Calibre 10-200, 10 ligne movement, unquestionably among the finest hand-winding movements ever built, it possesses all the necessary capabilities to earn it its place as one the finest timepieces in the world.
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Extremely high grade, it has eight adjustments - five for chronometer positions and three for heat, cold, and even isochronism. Isochronism is the amount of wind left in the movement. Most watches slow down slightly as their power reserve moves toward empty. That is not the case with this Movement.
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The Specs
Age: c.1956.
Movement: Time Only, Hand Wind.
Dial: Original Patek Philippe Factory Dial.
Crystal: Possibly Original Acrylic Crystal.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
-Faceted "Batman" Lugs.
Nitty Gritty:
- Patina to the Dial.