The Dress Watch Guide | Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919J

The Dress Watch Guide | Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919J

Thomas Mastrippolito Thomas Mastrippolito
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The 3919 embodies a minimalistic esthetic while still being high fashion and luxury.

It’s 33mm case diameter fits well on a variety of wrist sizes. This dress model is powered by a manual wind Patek Philippe caliber 215. The caliber has a 30hr power reserve.

The perfect formal watch measures in at 6.5mm in thickness. Featuring a white porcelain dial with black print, Roman numeral hour markers and seconds sub-register at the 6 position.

The leaf hour and minute hands & baton sub-seconds hand are in white gold with a nickle blackened finish. A true icon of the brand, the 3919 case features straight lugs and a hobnail bezel. The hobnail bezel is a double pyramid row in 18k yellow gold designed to add an extra glow to its esthetic.

Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919J Review Side Photo

 Originally released in 1985, this iconic Patek Philippe dress model became one of the best selling watches from the brand in the 80s and 90s.

It was later discontinued in 2006, but still holds the iconic role as one of the most well known Patek Philippe wrist watches produced. The Patek Philippe 3919 was produced in rose gold, white gold and yellow gold. Quick reminder than all information on this page is produced & copyright by Beloved Watch LLC. Thank you for reading!

During the release of the 3919, the mission was to produce a watch that would be more mass market vs their usually haute horology approach which made most models unobtainable to the general public.

Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919J Review Side Photo

Manufactured by Patek Philippe. This Patek Philippe is a model 3919J. This Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919J was produced in the year 1998. On a condition scale ranging from fair to unworn, this specific Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919J is in mint condition. The Dial is white porcelain with black Roman numeral hour markers and black print. The Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919J with 18k yellow gold case is 35.5MM in diameter. This Calatrava is secured with a Patek Philippe leather strap and Patek Philippe buckle which is in 18k yellow gold. This Calatrava is powered by a manual Patek Philippe Caliber 215.

When purchasing a pre-loved Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919 you want to pay attention to the hobnail bezel. Under a 10x loupe, the hobnail will retain it’s original sharpness. If it’s been polished, you’ll see signs of the pyramids being made dull. Also take note of the caseback, make sure you see a crip transition from brush finish to high polish. There should not be any brush finish dipping into the high polish. Study the side case to ensure it’s in it’s original finish. Also take note of the wear to the strap.

If the strap is new with a polished case, chances are the strap was replaced. It’s best to get a watch with some type of Patek Philippe paperwork to ensure it’s been reviewed by the brand at some point. Know who you’re dealing with! The 3919 is best unpolished and untouched.

Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919J Review Case Back PhotoThe white porcelain dial features black print and black Roman numeral hour markers. The dial also has the sub register seconds at the six position for a quick read. This specific model is produced only in 33.5MM. 

Comfort is key! I have seen men and women enjoy this model. Large and small wrists too, perfect watch to slide under the cuff for a formal event. This model comes with a Patek Philippe leather strap which is usually in black. Lots of awesome custom strap producers out there with interested watches. As mentioned, this model has a manual wind movement which gives the user that wonderful winding experience every time you put it on. It does have a 30hr-35hr power reserve. The newest iteration of the Patek Philippe Calatrava is the 5119. The original is the Patek Philippe 96.

Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919J Review Side Profile PhotoIn the collector market I view the Calatrava much like the Submariner. It’s timeless and iconic in every sense of each word. It’s the quintessential Patek Philippe wristwatch with luxury and simplicity in perfect balance. The rarity of the white gold and rose gold is something fun to chase as a collector, but the yellow gold is fairly available.

Condition is king! Sourcing a complete set with the proper condition is a big part of having something of value. I would say depending on the metal type this is a fairly common watch. Many collectors have it or a similar reference in their collection as their main dress watch. The past retail price of this watch was $11,950. I have sold several in the $7,500 - $9,500 range depending on condition and completeness.

Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919J Review Dial Photo 

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