Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1952 Reference No: 96 Movement No: 938'448 Case No: 305'069 Model Name: "Calatrava" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12'-120, 20 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle stamped PPCo Dimensions: 30.5mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1952 with lapped yellow gold indexes and its subsequent sale on 15 April 1953.
Catalogue Essay
A stalwart in Patek Philippe's line of production, reference 96 was manufactured from 1932 until 1973. It was the first Calatrava model that Patek Philippe ever produced, ushering in a new era for both the firm and the dress wristwatch. The model featured a myriad of dial and hand variations throughout its production period.
A true classic and previously unknown to the auction market, this example features pearled edges and displays the subsidiary seconds above 6 o'clock. The case furthermore features two strong hallmarks, with one on the side of the watch, and one beneath the lugs.
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.