Patek Philippe Calatrava Travel Time 5034J

*Unpolished* 1990s Patek Philippe Calatrava Travel Time 18K YG (Ref. 5034J) W/ Papers

'You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.’ — Patek Philippe started this now ubiquitous marketing campaign in 1966 and never looked back, though they already had an outstanding legacy since the watchmaker was founded in the year 1839. Patek built its reputation on several foundational pillars: tradition, innovation, and excellence, all of which are paramount in every timepiece they make, both old and new. If it weren't for the Nautilus or Grand Complications series, Patek Philippe would undoubtedly be best known for the Calatrava. The Patek Philippe Calatrava is the truest representation of the classic dress watch, and was first introduced to the world in 1932 with the model reference 96. The sleek round cases of the Calatrava often feature extremely simple, yet perfectly executed designs with elegant dials that lack all unnecessary obstructions. A true "must-have" for any Patek collector or dress watch aficionado. The travel time, now a halo complication for Patek Philippe, was first introduced as the "cross country" function with the ref. 2597 in the 1950s. Originally developed by Louis Cottier, a famed watchmaker at the time, it's understood that approximately only 90 examples of the ref. 2597 were made, with fewer existing today. Fast forward to the late 1990s, Patek Philippe revitalized this concept with the ref. 5034, featuring a slightly more modern approach with some quality-of-life improvements while keeping the overall ethos of the original reference. An elegant, yet functional companion for the frequent traveler. SPECS CASE & BRACELET The unpolished 18k yellow gold case is in extremely well-preserved condition, retaining its factory finishing on the case and clean lugs, showing only very light signs of use. The ornately knurled 18k yellow gold bezel is also in excellent condition with little signs of use present. The watch retains its original onion-style crown and setting pushers located at 8 and 10 o'clock. The case back also remains in very crisp and excellent condition. The watch is finished with its original black alligator leather strap with a matching Patek Philippe signed 18K yellow gold tang buckle. DIAL & HANDS The original white dial with painted black Breguet numerals is in flawless condition. The original hands are also in perfect condition. The hands are color-coordinated to their function, for example, the gold hands designate the home time in a 12 and 24-hour fashion. The black hands designate the local time, which can be adjusted on the fly via the setting pushers on the left side of the case. ACCESSORIES The watch comes with its original Patek Philippe leather document wallet, Certificate of Origin, and booklets. The watch is keeping time functioning correctly, previous service history is unknown. Stock : PP5034J Brand : Patek Philippe Style : Calatrava Travel Time Model : 5034J Serial : 30XXXXX / 40XXXXX Size : Men's Material : 18K Yellow Gold Dial : White W/ Breguet Numerals Millimeters : 35.5 Strap : Patek Philippe Black Alligator Strap W/ 18K WG Patek Philippe Buckle