Today's offering showcases this rare and classic Patek Philippe ref. 539 Calatrava, named "The Armadillo" by collectors. It is a rarely seen variant of one of the company's iconic Calatrava watches.

This gorgeous case design is one of the greatest creations by Patek Philippe, known usually for their more restrained design, to which this watch stands in strong contrast.

It is, in design and construction, essentially a hooded lug ref. 96 Calatrava, made at the same time as the acclaimed original Calatrava, yet much more strikingly designed.

It is as rare as it is beautiful. While we don't know exact production numbers for the watch in all metals, including yellow gold like this one, we know only eight pieces are known to exist in pink gold according to Antiquorum.

It is one of the original Calatravas...true classics, that occupy prestigious places among the great wristwatches of the 20th century.

Powering it is its illustrious Patek Philippe 12 ligne movement, unquestionably among the finest hand-winding movements ever built, and the same movement that powers the 96.

Its elegant 18K gold "Armadillo" Calatrava case is in near mint condition with fairly light signs of previous polishing. On the wris,t it presents beautifully. Its salmon dial has previously been well-restored.

One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Patek parts, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $895 value).

We have also timed it on a machine that spins the watch in all positions simulating it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time.

For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap and the solid 18K buckle that was on the watch when we acquired it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. The buckle is of unknown original and looks like a modern Patek Officer's watch style buckle.

Accompanying it is its wonderful Patek Philippe box.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity. Also included is a Certificate of Authenticity from eBay's new professional authentication team (an $80 value)

• Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 828,548
• Year built: c. second half of the 1930's
• Model: Ref. 539 "Armadillo" Calatrava
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K gold
• Case markings (inside): Patek Philippe & Co, Geneve, Swiss, 295,541, 18K
• Case condition: Near mint condition with fairly light signs of previous polishing. Slight wear why the case pries open. On the wrist it presents beautifully.
• Dimensions: 30.5mm wide (excluding crown - 32.5mm including crown), 38.5mm long lug tip-to-tip, 9mm thick
• Dial: Salmon, signed Patek Philippe, applied gold baton indexes with Arabic numerals for the primary hours, outer minute track, previously well-reprinted, bright and clean
• Hands: Original, gold "feuilles"
• Movement type: High grade, Cal. 12’’’-120, rhodium-plated, “fausses côtes” decoration, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator
• Movement markings: Patek Philippe and Co., Swiss, Geneve, No. 828,548
• Band: Crocodile (aftermarket), remborde, brand new and unworn with the solid 18K buckle that was on the watch when we acquired it. The buckle is of unknown original and looks like a modern Patek Officer's watch style buckle.
• Width between lugs: 18mm
• Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Servicing: One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Patek parts, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $895 value).
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also timed it on a machine that spins the watch in all positions simulating it being worn on the wrist. It is keeping very accurate time. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center and also has done authorized work for the Richemont brands including Cartier, Vacheron & Constantin, IWC, JLC and others.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Original Patek Philippe box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; Certificate of Authenticity from eBay's new professional authenticiation team (an $80 value)
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide