The coin edge examples are 38 mm, the salmon dial is 39 mm and those from the "colorful" era are 36..... Hope you enjoy. Darren
Figured as much. Right-o. Calatrava = nice three-handed watch. That slots in nicely next to Tri-Compax = chronograph with three subdials
Having followed your IG, I am frequently blown away by the quality of your collection. Dibs on any one of those Longines! And if you ever want to sell, I'm gonna jump up and down and yell...
So, is the correct use on Calatrava limited to the specific line of Patek's bearing that name? I see this point of contention mentioned occasionally on this forum, but am not sure of the correct answer. Google not amazing on this topic or perhaps the answer is too easy.
I thought the word calatrava predated its use by Patek Philippe? and that it was a generic word? Er.... I thought "compax" = chronograph with three subdials and "tri-compax" = triple complication: chronograph (three registers) + date + moonphase ?
Predates for sure, but not in reference to a watch. In the watch domain, it is a PP usage. Otherwise, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Calatrava. Correct of course. I forgot to add the eye-roll icon to my original post to indicate exasperation.
Incredible watches, all of them. Grade-A stuff. Also don't understand why you called them Calatravas, however.
Darren to be clear, I wasn't picking on you about the Calatrava thing - just carping about general usage. Much respect for the collection.
Yeah. They're called watches. If you really want to be specific to three handers, you could either call them that or "simple" watches.
I too have been using the word "calatrava" here (and often) to refer generically to the same type of Longines watches which are flat and elegant. I find it pretty convenient and it seemed to me it was an accepted usage, as I didn't invent it and have seen it done elsewhere (maybe Hodinkee, it's true). in any event not all 1940s Longines have italian nicknames and when someone refers to Longines calatravas I (and clearly some others) know exactly what they mean. In this particular case it turned out that's exactly what it was. Language is a system of labels that we chose to convey meaning. if one fulfills a useful purpose without creating unbearable offenses or distortions I don't see why not use it. So I'll say; as someone focused on 1940s Longines watches, I find the word "calatrava" routinely useful to refer generically to the simple, flat and elegant 1930-1940, snap-on, case back Longines models which may bear a variety of calibers in a variety of cases. And if the word can be used for other watches with the same characterics- flat simple and elegant- that's convenient too. No worries in any event, no offense meant or taken. thanks Darren for sharing your beautiful Longines!!
