Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1928, 1933, 1951 Reference No: 96 Movement No: 819'737 Case No: 667'971 Model Name: Calatrava Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 12''', 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 31mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming year of production of the present watch in 1928 and its subsequent sale on August 12, 1933. It furthermore states that the dial has been exchanged to the current one in 1951 during servicing at their workshop.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s iconic Reference 96 is the perfect definition of what the brand stands for: understated elegance, sophistication, and hand-craftsmanship. It defined the Calatrava “style”, with its round case and elongated lugs, while also being the first model to introduce numbered references to Pate Philippe’s timepieces. So successful was the reference 96, it remained within the Patek Philippe catalogue longer than any other model, as it was produced for over 40 years starting in 1932 and ending in 1973. Throughout this production period, so many variations were made, with a diverse range of charismatic dials that collectors until today enjoy discovering. Especially sought after are those housed in white metal cases, such as the present example in stainless steel. Featuring bold, luminous Arabic numeral hour markers and matching luminous hands, it is an early model with a minimalist, somewhat “military” appearance that is highly uncommon for the reference. Also noteworthy is the fact that for this early example, Patek Philippe used a gilt-finished 12''' movement from the 1920s. Preserved in superb overall condition, the satin-finished steel case perfectly complements the brushed silver dial, giving it a contemporary, monochromatic look that will appeal to any collector.
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.