Patek Philippe has made some extraordinary and lasting Calatrava designs over the last century, and the reference 1509 was no exception. Most notably for its elegant lugs resembling “tear-drops”, at 35mm case size it was a stylish statement in the 40s and 50s. Men of discerning tastes and class wore these watches whether that be yesterday, today, or tomorrow.

It doesn’t take much to appreciate the peculiars of this particular reference 1509. You don’t need to be in a suit and tie to pull this one off. Like art, a set of eyes is all you need to comprehend. 

Originally discovered in Spain, the son of the original owner with two of his late father’s watches, a Zenith A386 and this Patek Philippe, walked into a watchmaker’s shop looking to part with one of them. To our luck, he decided to keep the Zenith.

Having spent its entire life in Spain has been good to this watch. Surrounded by the warm Spanish climate, the silver dial transpired to this mesmerizing sunburnt pink patina. The raised enamel letterings sit high indicating the dial is totally unrestored. The unpolished case has also developed a warm natural tarnish almost giving the watch a mistakenly pink on pink expression. The hallmarks are deep, crisp and vivid, evidence in the fine details of the Swiss Helvetia.

This watch benefits from a movement service that was executed by the watchmaker the watch was sold to in Spain and is currently running well. The watch comes on a lizard skin strap. We also have the archives

This watch truly represents why vintage watches are so special. Works of art formed by its natural element is uncontrollable and yet when discovered with such undisputed charm, is irreplicable. As they say at Patek, “You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely look after it for the next generation”. And with that said, it has been looked after for many decades and ready for the next caretaker for many proud decades to come.

(Item: INVDBV_15)