1950s Mini Calatrava 18k Gold

The sweetest little Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 1289 in 18k yellow gold, with its movement number dating this manual-wind example to circa 1950–55. It is accompanied by a Patek Philippe-signed women’s coffin box — a particularly charming and difficult-to-find addition.

The enamel dial features black hour markings, accented by applied gold markers at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. Small raised gold dots punctuate the remaining hours, while slim gold hands complete the minimalist layout.

Powering the watch is Patek Philippe caliber 8-85, an 18-jewel manual-wind movement bearing the Geneva Seal. The case retains its hallmarks, while the oversized crown appears to have been replaced at some point in the watch’s life.

Fitted with a brown lizard strap and generic buckle, this is a wonderfully petite Patek that remains remarkably well preserved more than seven decades after it was made.