1940s Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 2420 ‘Claw Lugs’ in 18K Yellow Gold

$10,000.00

The Calatrava is Patek Philippe’s purest statement — a round case, a clean dial. Introduced in 1932 under reference 96, it established a design language that the maison has refined ever since without ever fundamentally departing from it. The reference 2420 belongs to the post-war chapter of that story, produced through the late 1940s and into the 1950s, and it is distinguished by one of the more dramatic lug configurations Patek produced during this era: the so-called ‘Claw’ or ‘Crab’ lugs, extended fluted forms that sweep outward from the case with an almost organic tension entirely unlike the restrained, downswept lugs of the standard Calatrava. These lugs were not a practical decision — they were a sculptural one, a brief moment when post-war Geneva allowed itself a flourish. Combined with the applied Arabic numeral dial and subsidiary seconds, the 2420 is among the most architecturally distinctive Calatravas ever made. The caliber 10-200, Patek’s workhorse manual wind movement of the era, powers it throughout.

This circa 1945 example is a genuine survivor. The silver matte dial remains original and untouched — applied Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds intact, showing honest wear consistent with its eight decades of existence but free of any restoration or intervention. The original hands carry a lovely aging of their own. The 18k yellow gold case is unpolished, its claw lugs preserving their original geometry and wearing a warm, rosy patina that only unpolished gold develops over time. The snap-on case back is in great condition, signed and engraved on the inside, with little visible wear for its age. Original quick-release gold springbars still in place — a detail that survives on very few examples of this age. Patek-signed caliber 10-200 running well.

A post-war Patek Calatrava with its claws out, its case unpolished, and its soul completely intact.

Brand: Patek Philippe

Model: Calatrava

Reference: 2420

Case No./Movement no.: 420xxx/950xxx

Year: circa 1945

Case material: 18k yellow gold

Case dimensions: 35.5mm excluding crown

Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds

Caliber: Patek Philippe Cal. 10-200 Manual Wind

Strap: Tan leather strap with steel buckle

Crystal: Acrylic