Haute Watch of the Week: Patek Philippe Calatrava 7200

The 7200, like most timepieces in the Calatrava collection, brings us back to the basic essentials of timekeeping: this one tracking just hours and minutes. This watch also reminds us that those basic essentials are not the only reason we wear a mechanical timepiece. What also counts is craftsmanship and design, of which Patek Philippe is a master.

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The 7200 is the epitome of the Calatrava collection and one might say of the brand itself: minimalist Bauhaus design, dependability, and meticulous finish. It has a rounded Officer’s style case – a specialty of Patek – with its signature straight lugs and screwed strap bars. Like the case, the 12 applied numerals, 60 minute markers and Poire Stuart hands are all rose gold.

As with any Patek Philippe, what is inside is as important as the outside. The sapphire caseback reveals the self-winding caliber 240, with a 22k gold micro-rotor that is fully recessed into the plate. The movement has a patented Spiromax hairspring made of Silinvar, and a Gyromax balance, ensuring an accuracy rating of -3 to +2 seconds per day. The caliber is slim – only 2.53mm, which keeps the case of the 7200 elegant and slim. The bridges, balance cock and rotor are all decorated with Geneva stripes. The mainplate is hand decorated in a perlage pattern. The strap is a matt pearly beige alligator with rose gold buckle.

The Calatrava was originally launched in 1932, and remains the brand’s signature collection, with models for both men and women and a design that has transcended the vagaries of trends throughout the decades.

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Photos courtesy Patek Philippe.