Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 6006G
Unveiled at Baselworld 2017, the new Patek Philippe Reference 6006G Calatrava pays tribute to the iconic ultrathin self winding Caliber 240 that celebrates 40th anniversary this year. Its unique dial design boasts an analog date and a seconds subdial placed between 4 and 5 o’clock.
The reason for this is a design peculiarity of the caliber 240 PS movement. It was praised when Patek Philippe, in 1991, presented its ultra-thin self winding Calatrava Ref. 5000 model with a seconds subdial that became an unmistakably distinctive feature of the model family.
The new Calatrava Reference 6006G in 18K white gold replaces the watches of the 6000 series launched in 2005. Subtly reworked, it further enhances the elegance of it sleek geometric design vocabulary.
On the one hand, the classic round white-gold case was enlarged by 2 mm to 39 mm, giving it extra prominence on the wrist. At the same time, the larger diameter adds elegance to the case, highlighting its slender proportions. This, it offers even more space for a larger dial, encouraging the designers and dial production specialists to pull out all the stops.
What remains unchanged: the two-tone graphic concept, the uncluttered markings with plain Arabic numerals as well as excellently readable analog date with a scale on the outer circumference of the dial.
Readily visible and always a worth a glance: the subsidiary seconds dial in its asymmetric position between 4 and 5 o’clock. Originality lies in the details. For example in ebony black and silver for the dials, or in the differentiate finissage of the individual circles.
The center is black and glistens with its fine sunburst finish, while the silvery minute circle is delicately guilloched and printed with black minute and five-minute markers. The outer edge of the dial is contiguously ebony black but structured in two different textures: the date circle has a sunburst pattern, the hour circle is sublimely guilloched.
And the silvery seconds subdial stands between 4 and 5 o’clock like a light in the darkness. The hour and minute hands were also modified.
They are longitudinally pierced and white-lacquered baton-style hands that are perceptibly broader yet still look very lightweight. Additionally, the date hand is now tipped with a red lacquered arrow that precisely points at the date numeral. It replaces the former lunar crescent.
This time window is framed by a broad, mirror-polished bezel as befits a classic Calatrava case in 18K white gold. Its sapphire-crystal case back presents attractive views from any angle as well.
The bridge side of the lavishly finished caliber 240 PS C movement with polished chamfers, parallel Geneva striping, gold-filled engravings and the recessed 22K gold mini-rotor that displays an engraved Calatrava cross. The highly precise movement has a rate tolerance between -3 and +2 seconds per day.
The shiny black Alligator strap with large square scales complements the distinctive elegance of the watch. It comes with a fold-over clasp in 18K white gold.
Technical details
Model: Patek Philippe Calatrava White Gold Reference 6006G-001
Movement
Caliber 240 PS C
Self-winding mechanical movement. Analog date. Subsidiary seconds
Diameter: 30 mm (basic movement: 27.5 mm
Height: 3.4 mm (basic movement: 2.53 mm
Number of parts: 191
Number of jewels: 27
Power reserve: Min. 38, max. 48 hours
Winding rotor: 22K gold minirotor, unidirectionally winding
Frequency: 21,600 semi-oscillations per hour (3 Hz)
Gyromax® balance
Balance spring: Spiromax® (in Silinvar®)
Balance spring stud: Adjustable
Functions
Two-position crown:
• Pushed home: To wind the watch
• Pulled out: To set the time
Correction push-pieces for date at 10 o’clock
Displays
Center hour and minute hands
Date by hand from the center
Seconds on a subdial between 4 and 5 o’clock
Hallmark
Patek Philippe Seal
Case
18K white gold, cambered sapphire-crystal glass
Sapphire-crystal case back
Water resistant to 30 m (3 bar)
Diameter (10 to 4 o’clock): 39 mm
Width (9 to 3 o’clock incl. crown): 41.55 mm
Length (across lugs): 47.4 mm
Overall height (crystal to lugs): 10.24 mm
Height (crystal to display back): 8.84 mm
Width between lugs: 22 mm
Dial
Brass, four-zone finish in black and silver:
- Center ebony black sunburst
- Minute scale silvery, guilloched
- Hour circle ebony black, guilloched
- Date circle ebony black sunburst
Hour circle with white-printed Arabic numerals
Date circle with white-printed Arabic numerals
Hour and minute hands: skeletonized baton hands in 18K white gold, white lacquered
Date hand: Bronze, white lacquered, with red arrow tip
Seconds hand: baton-style, 18K white gold, black nickel-plated
Strap
Hand-stitched alligator leather with large square scales, shiny black, fold over clasp in 18K white gold
