Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1947 Reference No: 96 Movement No: 960'497 Case No: 643'682 Model Name: Calatrava Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 12''', 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 31mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch in 1947 and its subsequent sale on October 8th, 1947.
Catalogue Essay
Tasteful restraint, finesse, sophistication and hand craftsmanship are just a few words that can describe Patek Philippe’s iconic reference 96.
This reference was an immense success and remained within the Patek Philippe collection for over 40 years starting in 1932 and ending in 1973. It defined the Calatrava “style”, with its round case and elongated lugs, while also being the first model to introduce numbered references to Patek Philippe’s timepieces.
Throughout its production cycle many variations were made, with a diverse range of dials that collectors until today enjoy discovering. Especially sought after are those housed in white metal cases, such as the present example in stainless steel. The dial of the present lot is an austerely beautiful study in monochrome featuring baton markers against a silver background, the only touch of color coming from the deep blue of the seconds hand.
Preserved in attractive overall condition the present lot will appeal to the collector interested in minimal Bauhaus design.
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.