Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1948 Reference No: 96 Movement No: 962'563 Case No: 301'478 Model Name: Calatrava Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Platinum Gay Frères for Patek Phillippe bracelet, max length 205mm Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Gay Frères for Patek Philippe clasp stamped 448 Dimensions: 31mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp stamped by maker, clasp further stamped by bracelet maker Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe fitted presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1948 with silvered dial and platinum bracelet and its subsequent sale on August 29, 1949.
Catalogue Essay
In production from 1932 until 1973, reference 96 was a stalwart in Patek Philippe’s collection. It is the first Calatrava model that Patek Philippe ever produced, ushering in a new era for both the firm and the dress wristwatch. It defined the Calatrava “style” while also being the first model to introduce numbered references to Patek Philippe’s timepieces.
Cased most often in yellow gold, the reference was also produced in pink gold, white gold and most exclusively, in platinum. To date, no more than 7 platinum examples are known with lapped indexes, and the present watch is the only known variant to be fitted with lapped indexes and a bracelet, as confirmed in the Extract from the Archives.
This timepiece is a superlative example. Preserved in exceptional condition, it showcases crisp lugs and full proportions. The platinum marks on the case are crisp and highly visible even without the aid of a loupe. It is furthermore accompanied by luxurious Patek Philippe Gay Frères platinum bracelet stamped for 1948, corresponding to the year of manufacture. Such stunning examples hardly ever come to the market, and when they do, it is an occasion to be celebrated.
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.