Patek Philippe Calatrava 6000G-001 Automatic white gold 37 mm

The brief history

The Calatrava was first introduced in 1932 with the reference 96, one of the first wristwatches issued by Patek Philippe. The manufacture had just been acquired by the Stern family, and this was the first model they released, with the intention of breathing new life into the Geneva brand. This model, designed by David Penney, was strongly influenced by the Bauhaus school: the Calatrava favors simplicity. The name "Calatrava" and Patek Philippe's famous Calatrava cross are inspired by the medieval Order of Calatrava, an organization of knights originating in Spain.

In retrospect, this original design is considered by many to be the ultimate dress watch. Since its inception, the Calatrava has taken many different forms, including the 6000G reference, introduced in 2005, which combines both classic and modern elements. The Calatrava 6000G is a descendant of the 5000G, which was originally produced between 1992 and 1993 in a limited edition of 1000 pieces. With its modern font and dark dial, it was a significant departure from the traditional Calatrava image. The 6000G continues this more contemporary design tradition, with the added complexity of a date ring running around the outer section of the dial, and a pointer date.

Getting to know you

When it was released in 2005, the reference 6000G was a true experiment in contemporary design at Patek Philippe. This watch is not your grandfather's Calatrava! It offered a fresh and new design upon its release, emphasizing the use of Arabic numerals, and the layout of its dial, was far removed from anything we had seen from the Geneva brand until now.

The most distinctive aspect of the 6000G is the stark contrast between the black dial and white gold case, as well as the date ring that surrounds the center of the dial and has a similar font to the hour markers. The date hand, adorned with a red crescent, adds a nice touch of color to this monochromatic palette.

The typeface used is sans serif, again in this idea of modernity, to bring this watch into a new era. It even offers the feel of a pilot's watch!

Finally, with its 37mm diameter, the watch is slightly larger than a classic Calatrava and presents a decidedly modern size, with a solid presence on the wrist.

The Movement

This reference 6000G is powered by the Patek Philippe Calibre 240, a self-winding movement first launched in 1977 with the 3739 Golden Ellipse and used in the brand's ultra-thin perpetual calendars. It most certainly belongs in this category of historic calibers.

It is visible through the sapphire caseback, allowing the beautifully finished movement to be seen, with fine Geneva ribs, as well as exquisite chamfering on all angles. The movement features a 48-hour power reserve and a 22-karat gold rotor. It bears the Poinçon de Genève, a mark of excellence granted only to watches of the highest quality by the city of Geneva, and which was first established in 1886.

The Package

Patek Phillipe offers us with this Calatrava a very successful modern interpretation of its iconic model. This 6000G is, in our opinion, one of the most attractive models produced by the Manufacture over the past two decades. The reference has all the elements of a contemporary classic, in an era of transition where the brand is no longer hesitant to experiment with more avant-garde designs in its archetypal dress watch collection!

This 6000G-001 is in very nice condition and comes with its Patek Philippe case, without its documents. It is dressed in a black leather strap with a white gold Patek Philippe folding clasp. Like all watches featured on 10h10, this Calatrava has been tested and authenticated by our watchmakers.