Which Model of Calatrava is Best as a Dress Watch?
I plan to get a Calatrava later this year. There are several sportier versions introduced recently. Although I find some of them quite beautiful, I have decided to instead pick one of the more traditional models, as I will wear it as a dress watch.
I am interested in the models 5227 and 6119. There are some good features I like from either version. I love to have a crystal case back, and both versions have one. However, only 5227 has a dust cover, which I also love to have. Although I think the simple layout of the 5227's dial may be more faithful to the original Reference 96 (although lacking a small seconds dial), I find the 5227 a bit plain.
On the other hand, the 6119 includes a small seconds dial like the original design. In addition, the bezel also incorporates the hobnail pattern that has been a signature feature of Calatrava since Reference 3520 in the 70's. Equally important is the new and bigger caliber in the 6119, whereas the 5227 still uses an older caliber. I think the 6119 has all the good things that a Calatrava can offer, except for a dust cover to the crystal case back.
Between the white gold and the rose gold version of the 6119, it is a difficult choice. While the grey dial and the white gold case makes 6119G look much younger and more versatile, I slightly prefer the creamy dial and the rose gold 6119R given its more traditional and formal look.
Between these four, which Calatrava model would you prefer as a dress watch?
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Vincent
I love watches and have been collecting inexpensive watches for over 20 years. Most are quartz watches but a few are automatic. None cost me more than C$300. Since two years ago, I started collecting...
Canada
Member since
Last active: 39 min ago
7.00” / 17.78 cm
IMO, Calatrava with small seconds, without a date and that bezel is the dress watch, just like a pre-ceramic Submariner is the diver's watch. There may have be earlier or better ones, but this is the icon.
IMO, Calatrava with small seconds, without a date and that bezel is the dress watch, just like a pre-ceramic Submariner is the diver's watch. There may have be earlier or better ones, but this is the icon.
Yes, some feel a dress watch should not have a date. But by "that bezel", do you mean a bezel without hobnail pattern, i.e., basically 6119 but with a simple bezel?
Yes, some feel a dress watch should not have a date. But by "that bezel", do you mean a bezel without hobnail pattern, i.e., basically 6119 but with a simple bezel?
I mean with the hobnail pattern. It elevates the look without being too attention-grabbing. Just beautiful.
I mean with the hobnail pattern. It elevates the look without being too attention-grabbing. Just beautiful.
Oh okay.. then 6119 is the perfect dress watch! 😎
It’s the 5227G for me, lovely clean aesthetic’s I do like the less is more look. However I would probably go for the steel version as I prefer it to precious metals.
Good luck with your purchase later this year and don’t forget to show us! 👏🏻
It’s the 5227G for me, lovely clean aesthetic’s I do like the less is more look. However I would probably go for the steel version as I prefer it to precious metals.
Good luck with your purchase later this year and don’t forget to show us! 👏🏻
The 5227 is a very nice watch. I also like simple watch but just find it a bit too plain. Would prefer it to have a small seconds just like the older Reference 5196R, which is perfect!
By the way, I am not aware that the 5227 has a steel version. I think it is available only in white gold, rose gold and yellow gold.
The 5227 is a very nice watch. I also like simple watch but just find it a bit too plain. Would prefer it to have a small seconds just like the older Reference 5196R, which is perfect!
By the way, I am not aware that the 5227 has a steel version. I think it is available only in white gold, rose gold and yellow gold.
I stand corrected sir!
I thought it did……
I stand corrected sir!
I thought it did……
No problem sir! It would be great if they do offer a steel version though. 😉
The last one is rhe classic, but in reality it doesn’t matter. So I think this is more apt as a searching for Platonic Thing that is closest to your Form.
My ideal for a dress watch is rose gold, silver or champagne dial, indices, small seconds, no date - and a ‘plain’ bezel. Which is currently not available in PP’s Calatrava line-up 🙃So, personally, I’d go for a used 5196R…
Or a VC 82172 (which is available new) 😎
The best calatrava is A Lange saxonia thin )) if u wanna show off further, the. saxonia thin with an aventurine dial )
Either 6119, that bezel is gorgeous.
The 6119 would be my choice. It's got more interesting features; the hobnail bezel, the small seconds, no date to distract the eye, railroad track minutes, a little bit slimmer case, manual wind.. beautiful!
The 5227 does look a little plain in comparison, as you said.
Between the white/rose gold 6119, I'd go for the white gold. It's less ostentatious than yellow/rose gold, yet adds that gorgeous brushed grey dial - rewarding you for the more modest case colour choice.
However, if you specifically want something gold in your collection, for that lovely, warm glow from your wrist, this is a spectacular choice too!
Let us know what you eventually decide upon!
My ideal for a dress watch is rose gold, silver or champagne dial, indices, small seconds, no date - and a ‘plain’ bezel. Which is currently not available in PP’s Calatrava line-up 🙃So, personally, I’d go for a used 5196R…
Or a VC 82172 (which is available new) 😎
The VC is a stunner!
What do you mean it come with dust cover? Like an actual dust cover for the watch? Or there’s something built into the watch?
The VC is a stunner!
Yours or trying on? Either way -
Yours or trying on? Either way -
I was trying it on. A gold dress is def next up. Either this, Alange, waiting to see the 1908, JLC, with a calatrava in the mix but unlikely.
I’m in the same boat. Looking for a Calatrava. I’m leaning hard toward the 6119G because I think it can go up and down the dress scale. That said, I do love the 5226g. Yes, it’s sportier, but again, I think it fits will all kinds of dress styles. And the dial is super interesting. Thanks for posting and let us know what you decide.
For the most dressy watch, I'm a proponent for a light dial, small seconds, precious metal, luxurious leather strap.
6119R. Rose gold and small seconds just scream dress watch to me.
My ideal for a dress watch is rose gold, silver or champagne dial, indices, small seconds, no date - and a ‘plain’ bezel. Which is currently not available in PP’s Calatrava line-up 🙃So, personally, I’d go for a used 5196R…
Or a VC 82172 (which is available new) 😎
I also like the older 5196R and the VC you showed above. I actually initially preferred either of these 2 over the 6119, as I initially found the hobnail pattern made the bezel too busy.. But after I looked at the 6119 more, I somehow not only like it now, but not sure why, I now even like it more than a plain bezel design like the 5196R and this VC Traditionnelle model.
They are all beautiful but expensive.. So sad can't get them all! 😭
The best calatrava is A Lange saxonia thin )) if u wanna show off further, the. saxonia thin with an aventurine dial )
Yes, either of these two is also a beauty! So many to choose from!
The 6119 would be my choice. It's got more interesting features; the hobnail bezel, the small seconds, no date to distract the eye, railroad track minutes, a little bit slimmer case, manual wind.. beautiful!
The 5227 does look a little plain in comparison, as you said.
Between the white/rose gold 6119, I'd go for the white gold. It's less ostentatious than yellow/rose gold, yet adds that gorgeous brushed grey dial - rewarding you for the more modest case colour choice.
However, if you specifically want something gold in your collection, for that lovely, warm glow from your wrist, this is a spectacular choice too!
Let us know what you eventually decide upon!
I think I will likely pick the rose gold version. All the watches I currently have are of stainless steel.. It is good to have one or two in actual gold color, I guess. 😀
I’m in the same boat. Looking for a Calatrava. I’m leaning hard toward the 6119G because I think it can go up and down the dress scale. That said, I do love the 5226g. Yes, it’s sportier, but again, I think it fits will all kinds of dress styles. And the dial is super interesting. Thanks for posting and let us know what you decide.
Yes, I do like the 5226G too but can't afford them both. As I am looking particularly for a dress watch, I think the 6119 is a much better choice. Yes, the dial's texture of 5226G is very interesting. I have not seen anything like that on a dial before, but I only have very limited experience in watch collection.
What do you mean it come with dust cover? Like an actual dust cover for the watch? Or there’s something built into the watch?
I meant this thing. This is how Patek calls it. I want the ability to see the caliber, but I also want the back covered when I am not viewing it. You may call me cheap.. but I also think adding that cover would give me more gold on the watch? haha 😂