Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 2533

A Patek Philippe ref. 2533 cased in solid 18k yellow gold dating to the 1950s. We all know (and want) the iconic reference 565 - and the 2533 is its direct successor. Launched in 1952, immediately after the 565’s discontinuation, the 2533 carried forward much of that same design DNA. A beefy, screw-back case gives this reference a robustness rarely seen in Patek’s time-only Calatrava line.

The crisp lines of the case are elevated by the flash of a blued seconds hand - a design flourish that instantly caught my eye when hunting down this example. To think this watch is now celebrating its 70th birthday makes its modern presence all the more remarkable.