Patek Philippe Calatrava Aquatic ref. 2451 in 18k yellow gold Silver dial

The Patek Philippe Calatrava was first introduced in 1932 as reference 96, marking a pivotal moment in the brand’s history. It was the first model launched following the acquisition of the company by Charles and Henri Stern, and it was designed to rejuvenate the Geneva-based manufacture. Since then, the Calatrava has remained one of Patek Philippe’s most iconic and enduring collections. With only subtle evolutions over the decades, it continues to embody the brand’s core values of elegance, simplicity, and timeless refinement.

 

The design of the Calatrava draws deeply from the minimalist ethos of the Bauhaus movement—a pioneering German school of art and architecture that emphasized the principle that form should follow function. It also echoes the “less is more” philosophy of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, celebrating pure design with no superfluous detail.

 

This rare Calatrava reference 2451 features a water-resistant case—earning it the nickname “Aquatic” among collectors. Introduced around 1949 and produced until the late 1950s, it’s believed that fewer than 40 examples were made across all metals, with only around 20 known in yellow gold.

 

The elegant 30.5mm case with downward-bent lugs is in excellent condition, boasting a screw-down hexagonal case back with the gold hallmark clearly visible.

 

The silvered dial is beautifully preserved, featuring applied gold baton hour markers, a black enamel Patek Philippe signature, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, a refined “dot-dot” minute track, and elegant feuille-style gold hands.

 

This elegant Calatrava is fitted with a refined Bulang and Sons leather strap, and its hand-wound caliber 10-200 has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.

 

Looking for a rare vintage Calatrava? Let’s talk—we’d love to help you make this one yours.

 

 

Specifications:

 

• Patek Philippe Calatrava rare reference 2451 “Aquatic”

• 18k yellow gold case in 31.5 mm with hexagonal case back

• Silvered dial with applied baton style hour markers & “dotted “ minute track and small running seconds

• case no 633xxx / movement no 95xxxx dating to ca. 1952

• Caliber 10-200 hand-wound movement

• Bulang and sons leather strap

• Fully serviced by our watchmaker

• One-year mechanical warranty

• Free worldwide FedEx Priority shipping