Patek Philippe Calatrava 2457

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A lesser known variant from the Calatrava lineage, the 2457 was introduced as the successor of Patek Philippe’s renowned reference 96. Essentially identical in form and function, the reference features sweeping central seconds.

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This is the Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 2457. Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is a name synonymous with high horology. A company that has always been privately owned, Patek has been manufacturing watches for almost two centuries without interruption. The company is currently owned by the Stern family, whose heritage dates back to when they were supplying dials to Patek in the 1920s. Incidentally, the Calatrava was also the first model released by the Stern family as the staple time-only watch in the brand’s collection.

To understand the Calatrava, one must hark back to the roots of the model with the reference 96. The first Calatrava was also the debut of the brand’s first in-house caliber, the cal. 920. Produced over a 40-year span, the 96 would set the foundations of all future Calatravas. Dimunitive, minimalist and dressy, these characteristics would go on to define the future references within the line as the brand’s flagship dress piece. The reference 570 was released during the same period as the 96 with a larger case size, though the smaller case size was more favourable during that period. With the success of the 96, Patek Philippe would go on to develop the aforementioned reference 2457 in 1949.

A true descendant in form to the original reference 96, the 2457 features a case that is essentially identical to its predecessor. Underpinned by the design philosophy that drove the success of the 96, there was no reason for the brand to change a winning formula. Produced for a period of approximately nine years, the 2457 was a lesser-known, lesser-produced and definitely less popular variant among early Calatravas.

While the 96 is often (but not always) characterized by its small seconds feature, the 2457 sets itself apart with its central sweep seconds. Powered by the Cal. 27SC movement as the brand’s first in-house movement to feature direct centre seconds, the case was thickened slightly to allow for the new movement. In addition, the dial features a “linen”-style finish, adding a layer of visual texture to the watch. A truly underrated variant of the famous Calatrava lineage, the 2457 is a classic that punches well above its diminutive case size.