Patek Philippe was founded in 1839, and as a true pioneer of luxury watchmaking, the brand has deservedly become synonymous with precision, beauty and innovation, making their timepieces some of the most sought after in the world.
As a company with the same values and ethos as Patek Philippe, Hamilton & Inches is a proud stockist of their one-of-a-kind timepieces and have recently acquired a very special addition to our collection; the Calatrava “Squelette” Ref 5180/1R in rose gold.
Now and again, you find an item of such exceptional beauty it is hard to believe it has been created for everyday use. The skeletonised Patek Philippe Calatrava Squelette, a watch as much a work of art as a timepiece, was highly celebrated at Baselworld 2017 and has been rightly recognised as a watch that showcases the Patek Philippe expertise in all its glory.
A skeletonised watch is one that has been stripped back to show the mechanics of a timepiece. Whilst there are several watches out there using this style, none achieve the level of beauty and craftsmanship that has been reached with the Calatrava Squelette.
The unique design of the Squelette shows the inner workings of the timepiece in a whole new light, but also pushes the boundaries of where the limits of skeletonisation were thought to exist. Patek Philippe are pioneers in housing the most enormous technical ability in the smallest of spaces. The incredibly thin automatic caliber 240, the beating heart of the watch, is accommodated in a stripped back round rose-gold case designed to place further emphasis on the movement. Launched over 40 years ago, the caliber 240 is an incredible 2.53mm thick despite being self-winding. This helps ensure the watch is lightweight and incredibly elegant.
A horological masterpiece, the plate and bridges of the watch have been pierced wherever possible, adding a further layer of delicacy and light without impacting on the expert functionality of the watch. And that is one of the most impressive things about the Calatrava Squelette. For all its artistic flair, nothing detracts from the exceptional ability of the timepiece. It has a tolerance of -3 to +2 seconds per day, a rate accuracy compliant with the exacting standards of the Patek Philippe Seal. Despite its delicate nature, the watch is fully protected via its sapphire crystal glass and caseback and is water resistant to 30 metres. The stunning aesthetic of the timepiece is only enhanced by its innovation; a functional, incredible beauty.
As with every Patek Philippe timepiece, each tiny element has been hand-crafted with exceptional care, dedication and to a standard that is just breathtaking. Perhaps the most enchanting element of the watch is its intricate hand engravings, which take over 130 hours of exceptional artisanal effort alone.
To own this watch is to own a piece of art. As you would expect, it is an incredibly rare timepiece and should you be interested in a private viewing, you can contact us online or by calling our showroom on 0131 225 4898 where our expert team will be on hand to explore the watch with you in more detail.