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159

Patek Philippe

Ref. 96

Calatrava

An extremely rare and previously unknown yellow gold wristwatch with black dial and subsidiary seconds

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Among the very first models made by Patek Philippe after the acquisition of the company by the Stern family - and consequent introduction of the reference number system - the ref. 96 Calatrava was launched in the same year of the acquisition in 1932. Featuring a sleek 30.5mm diameter case made, in this instance, by master casemaker Antoine Gerlach (Geneva Poinçon de Maître
- the key - number 4), the reference was manufactured in yellow gold, pink gold, white gold, platinum and stainless steel across a total of four series until it was discontinued in 1973. The reference was one of the longest in production throughout the firm’s history.

The present example Patek Philippe ref. 96 in yellow gold features an immensely attractive, rare and well-preserved black dial. As incredible as it sound, the surface is virtually flawless for its age and fully maintains its glossy finish notwithstanding the passage of time - a testament to the quality of Patek Philippe dials. Only microscopic examination of the edges of the gilt graphics shows micro-bubbling of the black finish close by, the one hint of the passage of time.

Given its stupendous condition and ineffable rarity, it is safe to call this an unmissable opportunity for the most demanding collector.

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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