Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1946
    Reference No: 96
    Movement No: 864’807
    Case No: 300’374
    Model Name: Calatrava
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12”’120, 20 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow 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 in 1946 and its subsequent sale on 22th December, 1947.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Being the very first referenced wristwatch by Patek Philippe after the acquisition of the company by the Stern family, the ref. 96 Calatrava was launched in the same year of the acquisition in 1932. Featuring a sleek 30.5mm diameter case made by master casemaker Georges Croisier for examples encased in precious metal, the reference was manufactured in yellow gold, pink gold, white gold, platinum and stainless steel across a total of four series until it was discontinued in 1973. The reference was one of the longest in production throughout the firm’s history.

    The present example Patek Philippe ref. 96 in yellow gold belongs to an example from the second series featuring the cal. 12”’120 by Victorin Piguet and its long signature on the dial. Featuring a classic art deco style Roman numerals with nipple indexes, the ref. 96 is a must-have for vintage Patek Philippe lovers.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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1088

Ref. 96
A fine and rare yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds

1946
30.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$48,000 - 94,000 
€5,300-10,400
$6,200-12,100

Sold for HK$94,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021