Patek Philippe Calatrava ref 539 "Armadillo" pink on pink double signed Freccero in 18k pink gold
The Inside Story
Today’s spotlight is on the rare and refined Patek Philippe Ref. 539 Calatrava, nicknamed "The Armadillo" by collectors. This is a rarely seen version of one of the brand’s most well-known Calatrava models. The case design stands out for Patek Philippe, offering a more striking look compared to their usually understated style. In both construction and style, it shares a lot with the Ref. 96 Calatrava, produced during the same era—but this reference has a much bolder presence.
Check out the double “hood” detail between the lugs—unique and eye-catching!
As rare as it is attractive, this watch is a true collector’s piece. While total production numbers are unknown across all metals, only eight pink gold examples have been confirmed in Antiquorum auction records. The dial is simple but sharp, with a pink tone, diamond-shaped faceted markers, a small seconds sub-dial, and classic dauphine hands. Adding to its rarity, this one is double-signed “Freccero.”
Freccero & Ci was a watch and jewelry dealer in Montevideo, Uruguay. The business began in 1868, founded by German-born Oscar Spangerberg, and was later sold to his employee Francisco J. Freccero. In 1908, the company moved to 25 de Mayo in Montevideo. Though originally a jewelry shop, Freccero’s descendants shifted the focus to watches and became the exclusive Patek Philippe retailer in Montevideo in 1929. That partnership lasted 70 years and resulted in some of the rarest retailer-signed Patek watches of the 20th century.
Inside the watch is Patek’s respected 12-ligne hand-wound movement—the same caliber found in the Ref. 96. It’s a proven, beautifully made mechanism. The watch is paired with an original Patek Philippe leather strap and features its matching 18k pink gold pin buckle.This fine Calatrava has been fully serviced by our watch maker and is ready for the years to come.
As we’ve said before, there’s an undeniable elegance in the simplicity of a time-only watch. This "Armadillo" is seriously cool—and pink on pink on Patek? No one does it quite like they do.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Specifications:
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Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference ref 539 R
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31 mm 18 k rose gold case in 30.5 mm “double hooded lugs”
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Movement serial 82xxxx / Case serial 29xxxx dating to the 1930’s
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Pink dial with diamond shaped hand applied hour markers,Dauphine hands and small seconds sub dial double signed “Freccero”
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Patek Philippe hand wound movement
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Patek leather strap and a PP 18K rose gold pin buckle
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Fully serviced by our watchmaker
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One-year mechanical warranty
Service & Warranty
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Service & Warranty
Our Service
Each vintage timepiece is individually selected and carefully inspected by our team of experts. After we buy a watch it is mechanically inspected and fully checked by our watchmaker. If necessary, the movement will be fully serviced and tested to ensure it is running to our exacting standards.
We will always describe the watch as fully as we can in our sales texts. Our zoomable images are of the highest possible quality and form an important part of each watch’s description. We will never hide or cover up any element of any watch we sell.
Key to our unparalleled service is Fedex Priority shipping, fully insured. Once you have received your watch, we encourage you to inspect it thoroughly. If you are not 100% satisfied, please let us know. We offer a 14 days return policy. Simply return the watch to get a full refund of the original purchase price.
Our Warranty
We offer a one-year warranty on the mechanical function of the watch, starting from the day of purchase. We do not guarantee the waterproof nature of any (vintage) watch, unless expressly made in writing. Therefore, our warranty will not cover any damage done to the case and/or movement by water or moisture entering the watch. Our warranty does not apply to accidental damage or mishandling of your watch and does not extend to the bracelet, case parts (including pushers, winding stem, crown and bezel), watch glass, dial and hands.
Why Buy From Us?
We Love Watches
We are passionate about vintage watches and we love talking about them! That is why we don't sell our watches with a simple "Add to cart" button, but instead try to emulate a truly boutique experience online. Helping you find your perfect vintage watch is our Watch Department’s raison d’etre. Whatever you would like to ask, please do. Building our community of watch lovers is central to our mission at Bulang and Sons.
We Know Watches
At Bulang and Sons we have sold thousands of watches over the years. We are a small team of experienced collectors and connoisseurs who are all part of an extensive global network of buyers and sellers. We have a great reputation for offering only the highest quality watches. We have one simply rule: we only buy and sell watches we want to own ourselves. And yes, we are still collectors too.
We Guarantee Watches
As collectors, we know how intense the search for a specific vintage watch can be. Once you find it at Bulang and Sons, we want to make things easy, safe and fast for you. Therefore, we offer the most comprehensive return policy and warranty; you will not find a safer place on the internet to buy a vintage watch. You can relax and enjoy your deal with Bulang and Sons.