Casual Classic As Patek Philippe proves with this Calatrava timepiece, it is the little details that make all the difference

JUST IN: Patek Philippe has released a Calatrava timepiece in steel to commemorate the opening of its new manufacture. The Calatrava ref. 6007A is limited to 1,000 pieces, and sports features that are a departure from the classic dress watches the collection is known for.

Ref. 6007A looks markedly different from the get-go with its greyblue sector dial, which has concentric layers with different finishings. The dial centre bears the manufacture’s signature, and has been decorated with a basket weave guilloché pattern. The successive layers, in turn, are finished with snailing, circular graining and sunburst respectively. To top things off, appliqué Arabic numeral hour indices in a sans serif font have given the dial a casual vibe, which is supported by the hands and generous applications of Super-Luminova. This timepiece remains cognisant of its luxury watch status though, as the polished steel case shows. Its overall aesthetic has taken the Calatrava in a new direction, perhaps to appeal to younger watch afficionados, but the attention to detail remains decidedly Patek Philippe.

Other features abound, such as the leather strap that has been embossed to resemble a fabric strap. They may not all be welcomed by purists, but one must admit that all the minutiae have come together to create a splendid whole in this timepiece. It takes finesse to do so, and Patek Philippe has it in spades. AM