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.