Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1940 Reference No: 96 Movement No: 864'086 Case No: 296'758 Model Name: Calatrava Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Mechanical, 12'''120, 20 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Black Patek Philippe crocodile leather strap Clasp/Buckle: Gilt buckle Dimensions: 30 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with raised gold Breguet numerals in 1940 and its subsequent sale on 24 November 1941.
Catalogue Essay
Reference 96 was in production from 1932 until 1973, and was the first Calatrava model that Patek Philippe ever produced. The model featured a myriad of dial and hand variations throughout its production period.
Manufactured in 1940, this example features Breguet numerals, which is confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. The long enamel signature is present, and correct for the manufacture date. The case furthermore features two strong hallmarks, with one on the band and one beneath the lugs.
This watch furthermore features indirect sweep center seconds. A the result of a collaboration between Victorin Piguet and Patek Philippe, this ébauche featured an additional centre seconds mechanism that was ingeniously added to the existing 12'''120 "subsidiary seconds register" movement, attesting to both firm's technical superiority.
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.