Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI Hong Kong Saturday, November 28, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1913
    Reference No: 96 SC
    Movement No: 183’078
    Case No: 294’421
    Model Name: Calatrava “French Sector”
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12 SC, jeweled
    Bracelet/Strap: Lizard
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 30.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement signed and buckle further stamped with French hallmarks
    Accessories: Delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture for the movement in 1913, its assembly in 1936 and its subsequent date of sale on March 1936.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Released to the market in 1932, the Patek Philippe ref. 96 was the first serially produced referenced timepiece by the firm, which was also the year that the Stern family bought over Patek Philippe. Referred as the very first Calatrava model, the reference features a three-piece 30.5mm diameter round-shaped case made by Geneva-based master casemaker Antoine Gerlach (identifiable via key no. 4) for yellow gold examples. With a production spanning over 40 years seized in 1973, a total of four series were of the reference was released, with examples featuring small seconds as well as examples featuring center seconds, referenced 96 SC.

    Patek Phiippe ref. 96 SC in series:

    First series (1932 – 1936): 15 to 18 jewels caliber 12”’, LeCoultre “2nd” or “3” quality.

    Second series (1935 – 1950): caliber 12-120 modified.

    Third series (1949 – 1950): caliber 27 SC.

    While the ref. 96 SC offered a wide array of dial options, most collectors would agree that examples featuring a sector dial is perhaps one of the most desirable options. With that said, there are quite a few variations of sector dials that have appeared in the reference including examples with applied Arabic numerals, painted Roman numerals and various iterations with the absence of numerals.

    The present example Patek Philippe ref. 96 SC in yellow gold features a tri-tone sector dial with applied Arabic 3,6,9 and 12 numerals with a beautiful blue center seconds hand. Furthermore, what is interesting for this particular piece is that it bears two French assay “owl head” hallmarks, one crisply stamped on the side of the top right lug and one stamped beneath the bottom right lug visible when the caseback is removed. Furthermore, the present example is further accompanied by its original pin buckle further stamped again with French assay “owl head” hallmark. Preserved in attractive overall condition, the present example is delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the movement in 1913 and its assembly and subsequent date of sale in 1936. It is very interesting that the movement was made over a decade earlier that the case. This is a truly a magnificent opportunity for vintage watch lovers to acquire an early and attractive example of the coveted Patek Philippe ref. 96 SC with a rare sector dial.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Σ972

Ref. 96 SC
A very fine and rare yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds and two-tone sector dial

1913
30.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement signed and buckle further stamped with French hallmarks

Estimate
HK$180,000 - 300,000 
€19,400-32,300
$23,100-38,500

Sold for HK$226,800

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI

Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2020