Patek Philippe Calatrava 'Disco Volante' Ref. 2594/5 - Champagne Patina Dial

The Patek Philippe Calatrava. Arguably the brands most iconic model line, and purest expression of the brand. Their raison d'etre if you will. The line has been a hit since its debut in 1932. So much so, that the name "Calatrava" itself has become something of a byword within the watch industry for traditionally styled, no-frills dress watches that simply tell the time. Over the course of its nearly 100-years of production, there have been seemingly countless iterations within the line, with variations in the metal they are made in, with their size, dial configurations, and eventually, complications. The Calatrava that we have here, a Reference 2594, dates to circa 1962 and is also known as a UFO or Disco Volante for its 'flying saucer'-like case design. It comes in at 32mm in diameter and features a beautiful 'engine-turned' finishing on the top case, with a signed, recessed crown, and simple downward sloping lugs. It shows normal wear throughout with nice hallmarks and a light 'rosy' patina developing. Inside, the simply time-only champagne dial exhibits patina across the surface with an interesting lack of patina around the 'flinqué' engraved 'foil' indices. It is powered by Patek's long-running and proven Cal. 23-300 manual-winding movement. The word icon gets thrown around a lot in the world of watches and horology... this one is absolutely worthy of it. There are watches, and then there are watches! This is one of the latter.