941
Patek Philippe
Ref. 96
Calatrava
A well-preserved, rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with small seconds
Full-Cataloguing
- Fresh to the market
- Well-preserved hard enamelled dial
- Case has developed a nice patina with crisp hallmark
- Accompanied by its Extract from the Archives
Part of the second series of reference 96 made in 1939 confirmed by its Extract from the Archives, the present timepiece is a rare gem. The original silvered dial eschews traditional applied hour markers, featuring hard raised enamel Roman numerals at the quarters, subdial and the early long Patek Philippe signature below 12 o'clock. Sophisticated and elegant, the Antoine Gerlach-designed case is characterized by long, downturned lugs and a broad flat bezel which has remained utterly relevant for over 90 years. While most frequently cased in yellow gold, the reference 96 was also executed in stainless steel, rose gold, white gold and most rarely in platinum. Exceptionally well-preserved for its age, the surface has developed a nice patina and the caseband hallmark remains completely intact alongside balanced, well-proportioned case contours.
Fresh to the market, this reference 96 represents a quintessential tribute to both pure horological design and the enduring legacy of Patek Philippe.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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.