atek Philippe is not generally associated with the automotive world. And yet, this year the Geneva watchmaker is introducing a series of timepieces that are all strongly evocative of the world of motor cars, each in a different way. Geometrically, dynamically and aesthetically with the new Calatrava 6007G, the latest in a line of watches with car-inspired dials; and artistically, figuratively and nobly with the High Craftsmanship 2023 “Racing Cars”.

The Calatrava 6007G

The three recently unveiled Calatrava 6007G models in white gold are clearly inspired by the gauges on a motorcar dashboard. The ebony black dials with their central “carbon” motif and geometrical symmetry are highlighted by vibrant accents in yellow (ref. 6007G-001), red (ref. 6007G-010) and sky blue (ref. 6007G-011) on the minutes track and second hand, as well as on the stitching and lining of the black calfskin strap, which also features an embossed carbon motif.

Calatrava 6007G-001: Self-winding mechanical movement. Self-winding calibre 26-330 S C with date at 3 o’clock and stop-seconds. White gold case, 40 mm diameter, 9.17 mm deep. Sapphire caseback. Water resistant to 30 m.

Date window at 3 o’clock, central second hand, gold applied numerals with a white luminescent coating – everything is designed for optimum legibility and bold styling. The source of this automotive inspiration dates back to the early 90s, and the reference 5000, which was followed by the 6000 references, then the 6006G, which would be part of the Calatrava collection from 2017 to 2020. The new 6007G is the handsome heir to this vibrant car-inspired lineage.

High Craftsmanship 2023 Collection

The High Craftsmanship 2023 Collection is completely different, but equally inspired by the world of cars. It comprises three Calatrava wristwatches with dials worked in cloisonné enamel, paillonné enamel and miniature painting on enamel. Each is available in a limited series of 10, celebrating three different historic races.

The Calatrava 5189G-001 “1948 Nations Grand Prix” shines a spotlight on the famous Nations Grand Prix, held in Geneva from 1946 to 1950.

The racing car worked in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel called for 40 cm of gold wire (0.32 g) measuring 0.10 x 0.45 mm in cross-section and 17 enamel colours, most of them translucent, with some opalescent or opaque. The race number is enriched with silver leaf embedded beneath the translucent enamel (paillonné enamel). In the background, the view of Geneva with the iconic Jet d’eau is depicted in miniature painting on enamel. Each dial required 12 or 13 firings at a temperature of approximately 820°C. The pierced watch hands and strap recall racing drivers’ gloves.

A Clous de Paris or hobnail motif adorns the bezel. The white gold case is fitted with a sapphire crystal case back protected by a hinged dust cover, affording a private view of the ultra-thin self-winding 240 calibre.

Calatrava 5189G-001 “1948 Nations Grand Prix”

The Calatrava 5189G-010 “1937 Monaco Grand Prix”, which celebrates one of the world’s most famous car races, inspired the decoration on this limited series of ten watches combining several rare handcrafts.

The racing car in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel used some 37 cm of gold wire ( 0.3 g) measuring 0.10 x 0.45 mm in cross-section, and 13 enamel colours, mostly translucent but with some opaque or opalescent. The car’s race number is enhanced with silver leaf embedded beneath the translucent enamel (paillonné enamel). The view of Monaco is depicted in miniature painting on enamel. Each dial required 12 or 13 firings at a temperature of approximately 820°C. The pierced watch hands and strap recall racing drivers’ gloves.

The dust cover bears the engraved inscription “Grand Prix Automobile de Monaco — 1937”.

Calatrava 5189G-010 “1937 Monaco Grand Prix”

The Calatrava 5189G-011 “1956 Alpine Rally” brings back to life the legendary Alpine Rally, which became one of the motoring world’s most prestigious international events from 1950 onwards.

The racing cars in the foreground were rendered in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel using about 55 cm of gold wire ( 0.44 g) measuring 0.10 x 0.45 mm in cross-section, and 16 enamel colours, mainly translucent but with some opalescent or opaque. Silver leaf, embedded beneath the translucent enamel (paillonné enamel) illuminates the race number on the leading car. The strikingly realistic Alpine landscape in the background was created entirely in miniature painting on enamel. Each dial required an average of 12 firings at a temperature of up to 820°C. The pierced watch hands and strap recall racing drivers’ gloves.

The dust cover bears the engraved inscription “Rallye des Alpes — 1956”.

Calatrava 5189G-011 “1956 Alpine Rally”

Dome table clock 20149M-001 “Racing Cars” in cloisonné enamel

This one-of-a-kind piece in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel conjures up all the excitement and panache of motor racing in the 1940s to 1960s, with typical sports cars of that period roaring up and down mountain roads.

To create the outlines of the cars, the figures and landscape, the enameller used around 8.17 m of gold wire ( 16.35 g) measuring 0.2 x 0.6 mm in cross-section. The illustration was completed with a lavish palette of 71 enamel colours, mainly translucent, but with some opaque or opalescent. Each enamelled plate required 8 to 12 firings at temperatures as high as 900ºC.

Dome table clock 20149M-001 “Racing Cars” in cloisonné enamel

The highly original hour circle, resembling a steering wheel, was crafted from amboyna burl wood (considered one of the finest ornamental woods because of its flamboyant reddish veining) and has 12 hour markers. The pierced rhodium-plated hands also evoke the racing world. The dashboard with its faux instrument panel is rhodium plated and engine turned, recalling the interiors of classic cars. A glimpse of the top of a seat covered in genuine leather completes the motoring ambience.

The clock is powered by the 17’’’ PEND mechanical movement, wound by an electric motor.

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