The Calatrava is the line in which Patek Philippe distilled its idea of elegance: essential dials, clean lines, measured proportions. This reference 3588, in 18k gold on a gold bracelet, is faithful to that philosophy, yet it carries one element that sets it apart: the dial.
The dial
The piece comes from the United Arab Emirates; the versions intended for Middle Eastern countries are among the most sought-after of this reference. The dial is made entirely of gold and coloured with an iridescent lacquer that shades from white to deep blue. The baton indices are engraved with a burin, entirely by hand, allowing the gold of the base to show through.
The model
The 3588 is fitted with the automatic calibre 28-255, a thin movement that enabled Patek Philippe to produce an automatic watch with a slender profile, a far from obvious achievement at the time. At 35 mm it is considered a gentleman’s watch, suited both to a collection and to formal wear. Produced over a limited span of years, the reference is relatively rare, particularly with original case and movement; among the most sought-after variants are those with guilloché dials, Breguet numerals or diamonds.
Technical details
| Brand | Patek Philippe |
|---|---|
| Model | Calatrava on bracelet |
| Reference | 3588 |
| Movement | Automatic, calibre 28-255 |
| Case | 18k gold |
| Dimensions | 35 mm |
| Period | 1960s |
| Functions | Hours, minutes |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire |
| Bracelet | 18k gold bracelet |
