Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1956
    Reference No: 96
    Movement No: 727'580
    Case No: 309'686
    Model Name: Calatrava
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-400, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 14k white gold bracelet
    Clasp/Buckle: 14k white gold deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 31mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1956 its its subsequent sale on April 28, 1958 and Patek Philippe travel box signed Charles W.Warren & Co.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Sophisticated and elegant, Patek Philippe’s reference 96 is the perfect example of a timeless design. First manufactured in 1932, this model, with its long downturned lugs and large flat bezel, remains relevant over 80 years later. In production from 1932 until 1973, reference 96 was most often cased in yellow gold, as well as in stainless steel, pink gold, white gold and more rarely, in platinum. The present model in platinum with lapped indexes is one of the most exclusive versions of this iconic reference.

    This timepiece is a superlative example. Preserved in exceptional condition, it showcases crisp lugs and full proportions. The platinum marks on the case are crisp and highly visible even without the aid of a loupe.

    Interestingly, the outside caseback is stamped "L.E. Graf Knudsen Award 1958". Research shows that the Rigmor & Carl Holst-Knudsen Award for Scientific Research is one of Denmark’s most prestigious science prizes. Since 1956, the prize was awarded to Danish researchers whose scientific research has produced significant results which promise to impact future research and findings. The present lot was most probably gifted to the recipient of this prestigious award.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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Ref. 96
A highly rare, well-preserved and attractive platinum wristwatch with bracelet, awarded to winner of the Rigmor & Carl Holst-Knudsen Award for Scientific Research

1956
31mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF70,000 - 140,000 
€64,900-130,000
$76,300-153,000

Sold for CHF88,200

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020