Weekly Wind Down | Sales Highlights including watches from Patek Philippe and Panerai

If someone told you it’s possible to pick up a precious metal Patek Philippe for under £5,500, you’d think they were stark raving mad or forgot to put a zero or two on the price.  However, the recent sale of this Calatrava ref. 2458 from 1955 illustrates there's unbeatable value in the vintage dress watch market.

What helps this reference stand out in the context of modern trends is its dimensions. The rose gold case measures 35.5mm across, which was considered oversized back in ‘55, but is now widely regarded as a sort of Goldilocks zone for watches of this style. With a manual movement that winds with the same level of crispness as it did almost 70 years ago, this is the perfect way to enjoy ‘Holy Trinity’ quality at an approachable price. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £5,300. 

From old to new, the ref. 5396G is a true classic with a modern twist. It effortlessly combines timeless elegance with some contemporary charm. In addition, this Calatrava delivers something special on the inside - an annual calendar.

Invented by Patek Philippe in 1996, the annual calendar has become one of the company's signature complications. The moon phase and date display add a touch of celestial flair. If you're seeking a blend of tradition and innovation, and want to avoid the Nautilus hype, the 5396G is the watch you've been waiting for. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £25,000. 

Speaking of modern watches with vintage charm, this Panerai Radiomir PAM00721 offers a nod to the brand’s military heritage. It boasts a beefy 47mm cushion-shaped steel case, exuding a certain rugged charm that only Panerai manages to pull off. This reference also features one of our favourite Panerai signatures - a sandwich dial. Cutouts on the markers and numerals allow a luminous plate underneath to shine through, providing a level of brightness to embarrass a Christmas tree.

Housed inside the case is a manually-wound mechanical movement offering three days of power reserve and is on display through the sapphire case back. Are big watches back?! It’s up for debate but after a trend towards smaller pieces, we think it’s time to even things out a bit. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £4,800.