Calatrava
Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 1543 — Pink on Pink, Tropical Dial
A particularly rare example of the Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 1543, distinguished by its original pink gold case paired with a pink dial — a configuration produced in only a very small number of examples.
Dating from the immediate post-war period, this watch was sold by Patek Philippe on 27 October 1947, placing it firmly within one of the most fascinating periods of the manufacture’s history.
The 35 mm case houses the hand-wound calibre 12’’’-120, one of Patek Philippe’s classic manually wound movements of the era.
The defining feature, however, is the dial.
It has developed a remarkable natural tropical patina, evolving into a warm orange tone over the decades. The transformation is entirely organic and gives the watch an unmistakable presence while preserving the character of its original configuration.
Pink-on-pink Ref. 1543 examples are rarely encountered, and the combination of the unusual case and dial configuration, the documented 1947 sale date, and the naturally aged tropical dial makes this a watch of particular interest to serious Patek Philippe collectors.
An understated yet highly distinctive piece from the early post-war years — the kind of Calatrava that rewards close examination and belongs naturally in a collection built around rarity, originality and historical character.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Patek Philippe
- Model: Calatrava
- Reference: 1543
- Year: 1947
- Sale date: 27 October 1947
- Case: Pink gold
- Dial: Pink, naturally tropicalized to orange
- Diameter: 35 mm
- Movement: Calibre 12’’’-120
- Winding: Manual