Basel 2008: Patek Philippe Ref. 5180/1 Calatrava Watch

The Patek Philippe Ref. 5180/1 watch joins the elegant Calatrava collection for 2008, offering collectors a wondrous showcase for the classical art of movement skeletonizing.  The 39mm 18K white gold case has been specially designed to showcase the intricate movement, and it features a pierced ring on its peripheral area, whose 12 spokes serve as hour markers.  This elegant architecture is emphasized by the indigo blue color which has been applied to the outer section of the back sapphire crystal.  The upper sapphire crystal features a gently domed profile, accentuating the elegance of the design.  

Clearly though, the star of the show is the magnificent skeletonized caliber 240 SQU movement.  Based upon the famed manufacture Patek Philippe 240 caliber, this self-winding masterpiece with microrotor has been painstakingly relieved and engraved by skilled artisans, who have reduced its structure of bridges to a minimalistic support structure for the wheels, jewels and pinions of the mechanism.  Light shines through, emphasizing the operation of each mechanical element, a factor made even more wondrous by the delicate hand-wrought engravings which covers each tiny surface.  The mainspring barrel is intricately relieved and features Patek Philippe's famous Calatrava cross; around its edge is the delicate engraving "Patek Philippe-Geneve".  Equally remarkable is the suspension system for the 22K gold microtor, which has been reduced to the absolute smallest structure necessary for support.  The rotor itself has been plated with rhodium and adorned with an intricate arabesque engraving.  Beneath the rotor, the delicate balance bridge can be seen, which bears the famous 'Gyromax' balance wheel; this freely sprung oscillating organ features 8 masselotte weights, and beats 21,600 times per hour.  Power reserve of the 240 caliber is approximately 48 hours.   Like all Patek Philippe mechanical movements, the 240 SQU has been stamped with the Geneva Seal, a testament to its construction in accordance with the most strict standards of traditional Genevois haute horlogerie.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5180/1 watch will be necessarily limited to a very small number each year, due to the intensive hand-craftsmanship that each entails.  It is completed by a supple, finely-linked bracelet in 18K white gold, which features a fold-over clasp engraved with the Patek Philippe signature.  Water resistance of the watch is rated at 30 meters.