Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1991
    Reference No: 3796
    Movement No: 1'828'053
    Case No: 2'907'436
    Model Name: Calatrava
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 215 S, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 31mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archive confirming the present timepiece's date of manufacture in 1991 and its subsequent date of sale on 16th January 1992.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Arguably the last true “legacy model” made by Patek Philippe, the ref. 3796 was introduced in 1982 and in production till the late 1990s in lieu of the discontinued ref. 96- the first and original Calatrava of the 1930s. The two models look identical when on the wrist, both measuring at 31mm in diameter. The minor differences are the sapphire glass, the new cal. 215 S of the present reference and the caseback which is now waterproof and with a small flap for easier opening.

    A striking timepiece for its size, the present Calatrava ref. 3796 is encased in 18K pink gold with an equally charming pink gold Sigma dial, as seen by the lower-case Greek letter sigma beside the "Swiss" signature at the bottom of the dial, indicating that the hands and hour markers of the watch are made of solid gold.

    Previously unknown, the present Calatrava is the 75th pink gold ref. 3796 to have resurfaced onto the market, from which only 30 examples boast this clean, divine, pink-on-pink configuration. Preserved in outstanding overall condition, it is a true testament to Patek Philippe's discreet elegance and ageless aesthetics.

  • 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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897

Ref. 3796
A fine, very elegant and exceptionally well-preserved pink gold wristwatch with small seconds and pink dial

1991
31mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$50,000 - 100,000 
€5,900-11,800
$6,400-12,800

Sold for HK$254,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023