James Robinson
2020 has been a year for a lot of things: a global pandemic, a quarter of a year spent indoors, no Baselworld, no Olympics, and iconic watchmakers like Patek Philippe and Rolex seemingly putting the kibosh on any new novelties.Except, while the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation has so far stuck to their guns, a short while ago Patek Philippe told authorised dealers across the globe that they would indeed be releasing a limited number of new watches this year.And now, praise be to the watch gods, we finally have a new Patek Philippe! Called the Calatrava Ref. 6007A-001, this sporty stainless steel three-hander is yet another example of the legacy watchmaker embracing the hard-wearing metal across more of its traditional collections. Having spent the best part of a day poring over the superb press images (rival brands, take note, this is how you photograph / render a new watch) and the specs, these are the stunning details that might be missed at a first glimpse.Detail 1: The Case is a study in perfect proportionsThe highly polished case measures in at 40mm across and just 9.07mm thick, and appears to be beautifully rounded and proportioned, sharing the same case design as its white gold Ref. 6006G sibling, a watch I’ve had wrist time with, and found exceptionally balanced.Detail 2: That dial, so much to see here, but cohesion reignsSitting beneath a domed sapphire crystal that's been given an anti-reflective coating, a gorgeous, multifaceted grey-blue dial further enhances the dynamic intent of this timepiece. The stepped, open chapter ring provides great contrast, and the 18k white gold applied Arabic numerals, as well as the baton-style handset, have both been treated with a luminescent coating. The real talking point of the dial, however, is the embossed carbon pattern seen within the smaller white railway track scale it gives this Calatrava a very contemporary aesthetic.Detail 3: That 324 S C movement, visible through the open casebackPowering the new timepiece is PP's manufacture Caliber 324 S C, which also powers various Nautilus, Aquanaut and Calatrava models. This self-winding masterpiece is beautifully decorated, featuring a 21k solid gold oscillating weight engraved with the signature Patek Philippe motif. Other features include a date complication, 213 parts, an operating frequency of 28,800 vph and a power reserve of up to 45 hours. Better still is that the 6007A-001 has been fitted with a sapphire crystal display caseback, which means lucky owners will get to appreciate the awesome levels of detail and craftsmanship on show.Accompanying the new steel timepiece is a lovely grey-blue calfskin leather strap that's been embossed with a fine print indicative of a textile strap.Detail 4: It’s limited to only 1000 piecesLimited to just 1000 pieces and made to celebrate Patek Philippe's new manufacture which is rumoured to have cost north of $1 billion AUD this new Calatrava is sure to be one of the most desirable watches released this year. And with an RRP of roughly $40,000 AUD, it isn't nearly as expensive as it will be on the grey market. Now we just need more models like it. Please, Patek, may we have some more?
18.06.20