Patek Philippe Calatrava 3579

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Produced for approximately five years in the 1970s, the Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 3579 is notable for its tonneau-shaped, stainless steel case that showcases the brand’s creativity with a remarkably modern aesthetic.

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This is the Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 3579. 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 revisit 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 produce a variety of Calatravas including the reference 3579 in 1969.

Produced only for a period of approximately five years until 1974, the 3579 is an uncommon example of a Calatrava in stainless steel. Typically produced in precious metals befitting of its dressier outlook, stainless steel Calatravas are produced in far smaller numbers. Featuring three different dial designs, the 3579 was notable for its C-shaped tonneau case. Resembling a crossover between a typical Calatrava and an ellipse which housed the Cal. 23-300 PM manual wind movement, the atypical case shape allowed for a remarkably modern aesthetic in comparison to other Calatravas which were more conservative in design.

Showcasing a mix of brushed and polished finishes, the reference 3579 remains once of the earliest stainless steel Calatravas. With its tonneau shape and stainless steel case, the 3579 displays a remarkably modern aesthetic and departs from the conversative nature of Calatrava designs from the period while retaining the essence of the line as a time-only classic.