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

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1937
    Reference No: 96
    Movement No: 827'885
    Case No: 615'789
    Model Name: Calatrava
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Gay Frères bracelet, max length 175mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Gay Frères 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 1937 and its subsequent delivery on October 15, 1937.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In production from 1932 until 1973, reference 96 was a stalwart in Patek Philippe’s collection. It is the first Calatrava model that Patek Philippe ever produced, ushering in a new era for both the manufacture and the dress wristwatch. It defined the Calatrava “style” while also being the first model to introduce numbered references to Patek Philippe’s timepieces.

    Cased most often in yellow gold, the reference was also produced in pink gold, white gold and most exclusively, in stainless steel as well as platinum.

    This timepiece is a superlative example. Preserved in exceptional condition, it showcases crisp lugs and full proportions. The dial displays a hard enamel signature that is raised and visible. Most impressively, it features raised Arabic and black hour markers - an incredibly rare combination. Furthermore, it was retailed at Eberhard in Milan, and displays the storied retailer's signature at 6 o'clock. To the best of our knowledge, the present watch is the only reference 96 to bear this particular combination of retailer signature and dial configuration.

  • 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 and attractive stainless steel wristwatch, retailed by Eberhard Milan

1937
31mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 60,000 
€37,100-55,600
$43,600-65,400

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