In 2020, to celebrate its move to a new facility, Patek Philippe release the Calatrava 6007A, a sporty take on one of its most classic models. That piece was limited to just 1000 examples, but for Watches and Wonders 2023, the brand is revisiting the design. With a newer movement, black backgrounds with pops of color, and an exceptionally sporty strap, the new Patek Philippe Calatrava 6007Gs represent a more exuberant side of the brand.
Specifications
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Calatrava 6007G
Dimensions: 40mm diameter x 9.17mm thickness
Water Resistance: 30m
Case Material: White gold
Strap/Bracelet: Leather embossed with carbon motif
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire crystal
Movement: Caliber 26‑330 S C
Power Reserve: 35-45 hours
Operating Frequency: 28,800 vph/4hz
Price & Availability: $37,850 USD
The cases of the new Calatrava 6007Gs are all white gold (the 6007A was in steel), with full polishing and a wide bezel and domed sapphire crystal. Measuring 40mm across and just 9.17mm thick, the dimensions and gentle curve of the case will undoubtedly make this watch wear beautifully on the wrist. The pull-out crown features the Patek logo and the case is water resistant to 30m. While 30m is in line with the CAlatrava collection, it’s at odds with the sportier design of these models. Adding to the edgier look here are the leather straps with a carbon motif embossed on them and contrast stitching to match the color in the dial; they’re fitted with a simple tang buckle. It’s not often you see a strap that matches the dial so perfectly, but with the stitching and embossing, the 6007Gs have done just that.
Patek has had some fun with these dials. With pops of yellow, red, and blue against a textured black dial, this is perhaps the most playful the brand has gone in recent years. The outer minute track recalls the tachymeter tracks from racing chronographs, while the applied (and lumed!) Arabic numerals pull this watch away from the Calatrava’s typical simple elegance. The date is unobtrusive and replaces the 3 o’clock numeral. A very thin grooved ring surrounds the center of the dial, which features colorful arrows at each hour, pointing inwards towards a stamped carbon pattern. The handset features a color-matched seconds with polished hour and minutes hands filled with lume.
The three models herein are powered by Patek’s somewhat new Caliber 26‑330 S C. Seen through the sapphire caseback, the movement features the exceptional finishing you expect from the brand and a solid gold rotor. The movement beats at 28,800 with a quoted power reserve between 35 and 45 hours (the lower end of which is rather dismal for a modern movement). The caliber has hacking seconds (which wasn’t de rigueur for Patek until a few years ago) and also features Patek’s patented Spiromax balance spring which is temperature and shock resistant.
I’ve often been critical of Patek Philippe of being stuck in the past, or what the brand refers to as “tradition.” And while I’m not convinced that isn’t still the case, these new spirited Calatravas show a more playful, modern side of the brand. With color, texture, and perhaps the sportiest strap the brand has ever offered, this is a Patek Philippe I can get on board with. The new Patek Phillippe Calatrava 6007Gs are priced at $37,850 USD. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.
