A mint condition Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919R. This particular 3919R hails from the incredible collection J.W.F. Baron van Wassenaer, a.k.a. the 'Collection of a European Nobleman.' So not only do I offer one of the most iconic dress watches (if not the most iconic), it comes with a provenance of European nobility and a tale of the largest watch collection ever seen. You will find more background on this amazing history below. But first, the watch itself:

Specifications:
Patek Philippe Calatrava 18kt rosé gold mens wrist watch on gloss black alligator strap with 18kt rosé gold buckle
Year: 2005 (est.)
Case size: 33mm
Bezel: 'Clous de Paris' hobnail design
Dial: white porcelain dial with black painted Roman numerals, radially placed
Hands: Oxidized gold hands with small subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock position
Glass: Sapphire crystal glass
Reference: 3919R

Movement:
Calibre: 215 PS
Diameter: 21.9 mm
Height: 2.55 mm
Parts: 130
Jewels: 18
Power res.: Min. 44 hours
Balance: Gyromax®
Frequency: 28,800 semi-oscillations/hour (4 Hz)
Balance spring: Spiromax®
Hallmark: Patek Philippe Seal
Displays: Hours, minutes, seconds at 6 o’clock

Patek Philippe Calatrava 'Clous de Paris' Reference 3919R

Today I am offering a mint condition Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919R from the extraordinary Collection of J.W.F.Baron van Wassenaer, the majority of which was auctioned by Bonhams, London over several auctions in 2016. A collection that spanned over half a century of collecting and an estimated 2500-3000 watches.

Jan Willem Frederik baron van Wassenaer was born in The Hague on 13 March 1933. His family, the De Van Wassenaers, are among the oldest noble families in The Netherlands with a heritage dating back to the 13th century. In his twenties, Van Wassenaer started to collect valuables such as watches, coins, stamps and antique books. He was well known for his vast knowledge of how and where to acquire antique books, old magazines, maps and other printed valuables.

Portret of Jan Willem Frederik Baron van Wassenaer by K. Thijn, oil on Masonite, Stedelijk Museum Zwolle

For watches, his preference was for the more traditional, and complicated, mechanical pieces with manual winding mechanism. In buying them he implored various strategies, the most notable being to purchase watches with a serial number with emotional value: 3, 13, and 33 were his favourites. He also collected special watches from particularly rare series, such as the Omega Missions Case (serial number 3/5), and the Oris Limited Edition Explorers of the World.

The series of Longines in the collection is arguably the largest private collection ever seen. When the Longines book was produced, the brand even referred to Van Wassenaer because they knew his collection to be by far the largest. Van Wassenaer also owned a considerable collection of Alpina watches. Rumour has it that the reason for this was because his father, who died when Van Wassenaer was just 21 years old, had owned an Alpina watch which was later lost. In buying all possible Alpina watches he believed that one day, he would also own the watch which had been his fathers.

Apart from the collection of watches and other rarities, the late Baron had a special interest in genealogy. He would spend much time researching his families history. This would center around ‘Kasteel Duivenvoorde’, the original estate from which his family hails. In later life, this would lead him to meet his partner. She shared his interest in genealogy and remarkably, she too could trace back her families origin to 'Kasteel' Duivenvoorde.

Duivenvoorden 'castle' in Voorschoten near The Hague, The Netherlands

When it then became apparent they also shared a love for fine timepieces, the Barons’ collection passion was further spurred on. In the last 15 odd years of his life his collection would grow to around 2500 to 3000 watches and included pieces such as a Patek Philippe Grande Complication and an IWC ‘il destriero scafusia’. Unfortunately he never saw all together due to theft and burglaries. After his passing in 2014, the collection of around 2000 remaining watches was sold at action by Bonham’s in Londen, thus ending the largest known private fine watch collection in Europe and quite possibly the world.

One watch however was never included in the auction. Having shared his enthusiasm for watches, his former partner requested a single watch from the vast collection. The single watch that had been the personal favorite of the late Baron as it was the essence of his collection: with an excellent hand wound movement, rose gold case, porcelain dial and an understated yet iconic design, the Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919R would most often be worn by the late Baron. Thus the watch was gifted to his partner and has remained in her family since then. It is now offered for the first time for the right enthousiast to add to their collection.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava 3919R accompanied by a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso engraved with the Duivenvoorde castle coat of arms

The watch comes with its' original box and a Patek Philippe travel case. The original papers were sadly lost. Given the enormity of the late Baron's collection you may imagine the sheer number of papers and boxes. Some items would get lost as did the papers for this watch. It does however come with a letter from the official Patek Philippe dealer familiar with both the Baron and current owner, establishing its' provenance. Of course further items such as a personal letter from the Barons partner can be provided as additional documentation of the watch’ history.

The famed name of the Patek Philippe brand, the mint condition of this watch and the iconic status of the 3919 ‘Clous de Paris’ Calatrava are plenty reason on their own to consider this watch very desirable. One could argue that the history of this particular watch would make it the very best Calatrava in any watch collection and an excellent conversation piece. A true must have.

This unique timepiece is being offered for sale for the first time. The asking price is €14.990 / $16,650 neg. Offers which include a trade may also be considered.

Please note this watch is being offered by a private owner. Shipment / handover and payment options can be discussed to suit both parties.

For more information and te exchange contact details please feel free to send me a private message.