Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1999 Reference No: 3796 Movement No: 1'863'570 Case No: 4'034'734 Model Name: Calatrava Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 215, 18 jewels, stamped with the Geneva seal Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 31mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch in 1999 and its subsequent sale on November 4, 1999, numbered sale tag and box.
Catalogue Essay
Arguably the last true “legacy model” made by Patek Philippe, reference 3796 was introduced in 1982 in lieu of the discontinued ref. 96, the first and original Calatrava. The two models look exactly identical when on the wrist. The minor differences are the sapphire glass, the new calibre of reference 3796 and the caseback which is now waterproof and with a small flap for easier opening.
The present example not only is preserved in absolutely mint condition and comes with its Certificate and box, but it furthermore is dressed in the flamboyantly elegant “PoP” - pink on pink - configuration, marrying a pink case and a pink dial.
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.