Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1941 Reference No: 96 Movement No: 920’754 Case No: 296’959 Model Name: Calatrava Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120 PS, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 30.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece with hour-markers in radium in 1941 and its subsequent date of sale on 11th June 1941.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in the same year as the acquisition of Patek Philippe by Charles and Jean Stern in 1932, the Calatrava ref. 96 was the first serially produced wristwatch by the firm marking an important era for the prestigious manufacture. Featuring a three piece case, the reference was available in all four precious metals as well as examples in stainless steel. Examples encased in gold were produced by Geneva-based master casemaker Antoine Gerlach, with stainless steel cases made by Georges Croisier. The reference remained in production for over 40 years with a total of four series across all metals.
Extremely elegant the ref. 96 remain as one of the most loved wristwatches by the firm as it marks an important period for Patek Philippe. The present example in 18K pink gold made in 1941 from the second series powered by cal. 12-120 PS with small seconds is an attractive example featuring a rare silvered dial with radium indexes and hands, which is further confirmed by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives.
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.