Collector's Notes

The 5000G is a bit of a peculiar reference. Rumor has it this watch was originally developed in the early 1990s for a Patek-Ferrari collaboration that never fully manifested. The design of the dial — quite modern relative to other Calatravas — was inspired by the dashboard gauges found in vintage Ferraris.

I absolutely love the numerals on this reference, which are rendered in crisp white using a condensed sans serif font. Give the 9 an extra look, and you might question whether it’s turned the right way. I think the decision makes sense though, so as not to copy the direction of the 6 below.

For me the 5000G strikes a nice balance between dressy and sporty. It won me over as the more versatile piece compared to the 5026G I previously owned. Even with the change, I’m still treated to the same Geneva-sealed caliber 240 via the exhibition caseback. All-in-all it’s a fantastic watch that I’m very happy I took a chance on!

Specifications

Brand:

Patek Philippe

Model:

Calatrava

Reference:

5000G

Year:

1993

Case Material:

White gold

Diameter:

33.5 mm

Lug Width:

19 mm

Thickness:

7.8 mm

Lug-to-Lug:

41.8 mm

Dial:

Black

Lume:

None

Crystal:

Sapphire

Movement:

Automatic

Caliber:

Patek Philippe 240 PS

Bracelet/Strap:

Molequin midnight black Saffiano strap

Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in