The name Calatrava traces its origins to medieval Spain, referring both to a fortress in the Castile region and to a chivalric order founded in 1157, established to defend it. The Order of Calatrava adopted a distinctive emblem—a red Greek cross with fleur-de-lis tips—a symbol that would later take on an entirely new significance in the world of watchmaking. In 1887, Patek Philippe selected this cross as part of its official trademark, registering it alongside the name Patek Philippe & Cie. The exact reasoning behind this choice has never been clearly documented. It may simply have been the strength and elegance of the design, or perhaps a deeper symbolic link to values such as tradition, discipline, and longevity. Whatever the case, the Calatrava cross appeared only sparingly on the brand’s early watches. Notably, Calatrava was not initially used as a model designation. It was only in the 1980s that the name formally entered Patek Philippe’s catalogue. Nevertheless, collectors and historians retrospectively adopted the term to describe the brand’s refined, time-only dress watches of the 1930s—most famously beginning with Reference 96—thereby establishing the Calatrava as a cornerstone of Patek Philippe’s design language. Since the introduction of the Calatrava in 1932, Patek Philippe has produced well over 100 distinct references. The collection has evolved continuously, encompassing a wide range of executions, from classic time-only models and officer-style cases to more recent and complex interpretations such as Annual Calendar and Pilot Travel Time models. Offered here is a beautiful time-only Calatrava, reference 3513, crafted in 18k white gold. It features a clean, flat bezel, a snap-back 31 mm case, and a small winding crown set with a black-topped cabochon. The watch is fitted with a finely crafted integrated 18k white gold bracelet, finished by hand with a striking hammered effect—a detail that speaks volumes about the level of craftsmanship involved. The bracelet comfortably fits wrists up to approximately 18–18.5 cm and is secured by an elegant clasp adorned with the iconic Calatrava cross. The dial is finished in a soft silver tone, complemented by black painted Roman numerals and simple black stick hands, with no luminous material—pure, understated elegance. At its heart is the hand-wound calibre 175, fully serviced by our watchmaker and running beautifully. An elegant and increasingly elusive white-gold Calatrava, this reference perfectly embodies Patek Philippe's enduring philosophy of understated luxury and timeless design. An elegant addition to any serious collection! Specifications: Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 3513 31mm 18k white gold case with thin bezel and snap back case back Silver dial with black Roman numerals and non-lumed hands Cabuchon topped winding crown Integrated 18kt white Gold woven style bracelet Cal. 175 hand wound movement Movement number 113xxxx / case no 265xxxx dating to 1966 Fully serviced by our watchmaker One-year mechanical warranty Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping