- Founded
- 1839
- Based in
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Known for
- Calatrava
The house
About Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe was founded in Geneva in 1839 and remains one of the best-known names in Swiss watchmaking. The Calatrava, introduced in 1932, is the house's classic round dress watch: clean dial, slim case, nothing added that the watch does not need.
Patek reference numbers carry information. A letter at the end tells you the case metal, and the reference identifies the model and generation. Each listing states the reference, the condition and what accompanies the watch.
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Patek Philippe Pieces
Signature models
Known For
Calatrava
The round dress watch introduced in 1932. References such as the 5227 continue the same design.
Buying guide
What To Look At
General points worth checking on any Patek Philippe piece. Each listing adds the specifics: condition grade, what is included and any flaws.
01
The letter after a reference tells you the case metal: J is yellow gold, R rose gold, G white gold and P platinum. So 5227J is a yellow-gold Calatrava.
02
Patek offers an Extract from the Archives for many vintage watches, which confirms details of the watch as it left the manufacture.
03
Check the strap, buckle and case for consistency with the reference, and look at the dial closely under magnification.
Questions
Patek Philippe Answered
What do the letters after a Patek Philippe reference mean?
They indicate the case material. J stands for yellow gold, R for rose gold, G for white gold and P for platinum. For example, reference 5227J is the yellow-gold version of the Calatrava 5227.
What is an Extract from the Archives?
It is a document that Patek Philippe can issue for many watches, confirming details of the individual watch as it left the manufacture, such as the movement number and the date it was sold.
What is a Calatrava?
The Calatrava is Patek Philippe's classic round dress watch, introduced in 1932. It is known for a simple dial, a slim case and restrained proportions.
How does Luxury Club authenticate Patek Philippe pieces?
Every piece is physically inspected by our specialists before it is listed: construction, hardware, materials and markings are checked against what is expected of the maker and the era. Nothing is approved from photographs alone, and every sale includes a Certificate of Authenticity documenting what was verified on that specific piece.
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