Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1951 Reference No: 96 Movement No: 969'037 Case No: 304'073 Model Name: Calatrava Calibre: Manual, cal 12-120, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe buckle, modern Dimensions: 31mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1951 with diamond hour markers and its subsequent sale on April 15, 1953.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 96 is the first Calatrava model produced by Patek Philippe and the model that not only defined the Calatrava style but also the one that introduced numbered references to Patek Philippe’s timepieces.
In production from 1932 until 1973, reference 96 was most often cased in yellow gold, as well as in stainless steel steel, pink gold, white gold and more rarely, in platinum. The present model in platinum with diamond indexes is one of the most exclusive versions of this iconic reference as it is one of only 40 known in this configuration.
The present watch is in incredible condition and shows a crisp case and strong lugs, the dial with its diamond markers gives the watch incredible personality.
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.