One to watch: Patek Philippe 6196p

Patek Philippe launched its Calatrava range in 1932 and to many watch connoisseurs (us included) it is regarded as the most iconic family within the Swiss watchmaker’s catalogue. Classically quintessential in nature, the timepieces in the Calatrava range, including the handsome Reference 96 (the first round wristwatch for the brand) and Reference 3919, are widely respected as the blueprints for dress watches: never flashy or loud, with just the correct amount of pizzazz.

Now, as the Calatrava line-up nears its 95th anniversary, and four years after the last release in the range, Patek Philippe has unveiled its latest addition: Calatrava 6196P. The quintessence of timeless elegance and a highlight at this year's Watches and Wonders in Geneva, the platinum Calatrava is enhanced with an opaline rose-gilt dial, which gives it a vintage charm, all of which is housed in an entirely polished 38mm case.

As a neat addition, the case is decorated with satin-finished flanks and a brilliant-cut diamond at 6 o’clock, while it has an exhibition caseback, exposing its complex mechanisms. The watch boasts a manually wound movement, which has a 65-hour power reserve and a stop-seconds function enabling time-setting to the nearest second. Meanwhile, a vintage-vibing chocolate brown alligator leather strap gives the timepiece some further character. “The Calatrava 6196P-001 is basically the perfect "less is more" watch - it's incredibly thin, wildly elegant, and made from platinum, so you know it's the real deal on the wrist," explains Gentleman's Journal go-to watch expert Justin Hast. "Patek Philippe basically took everything unnecessary away and what you're left with something that will never go out of style. It's the kind of watch that whispers wealth rather than shouting it, and honestly, that's what makes it so damn appealing to serious collectors."

The 6196P is a modern interpretation of the original Calatrava, yet it doesn’t skimp on nods to the history of the 96. Handsome in design, with practicality at its core, it's a watch for fans of Patek’s timelessness.

Patek Philippe Calatrava 6196P-001

£40370.00

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