Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1947 Reference No: 96 Movement No: 960’580 Case No: 300’959 Model Name: Calatrava Material: Platinum, diamond Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Later platinum rope bracelet, max overall length 160mm Clasp/Buckle: Platinum clasp Dimensions: 31mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed, case back engraved “A mi amigo Jorge de Paco Pico” Accessories: Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with diamond hour markers in 1947 and its subsequent sale on September 29 of that year.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe's reference 96 is the archetypal "Calatrava" wristwatch. The model, manufactured from 1932 until 1973, was inspired by the Bauhaus aesthetic canon of "form follows function," resulting in a timeless purity and harmony of case lines, still echoed today in the firm's designs. Its success prompted numerous variations, featuring different dial and hand types, as well as caliber modifications with different seconds indication including center seconds, seconds hand at six o’clock, and very rare "no-second" variants, which adds to the model’s design purity. Sophisticated and elegant, the Antoine Gerlach-designed case with long downturned lugs and a large flat bezel has remained relevant for the last 90 years. The reference 96 was most often cased in yellow gold, as well as in stainless steel, pink gold, white gold, and more rarely, in platinum. The present model in platinum with diamond-set indices is one of the most exclusive versions of this iconic reference.
This classic 96 is offered at auction for the first time by the family of the original owner. A long time collector and watch enthusiast, the owner’s collection included many important and lovely timepieces. His appreciation for Patek Philippe included several custom-made wristwatches, which are still cherished by the family today. This lovely example is preserved in wonderful original condition. The watch showcases crisp lugs and full proportions with the platinum marks on the case crisp and visible even without the aid of a loupe. The case back inscription is crisp, while the dial is well-preserved with the long “Patek Philippe & Co.” signature found on pre-1948 wristwatches. The watch is accompanied by a later unsigned platinum bracelet that adds an extra layer of luxury, perfectly complementing the diamond-set dial.
Patek Philippe is cherished by collectors for their technical prowess and timeless design. The reference 96 is an icon in the horological world for its modern design. The present example in platinum with diamond-set dial is a tribute to both its original owner’s exquisite taste and the timelessness of Patek Philippe. CONSIGNED BY THE FAMILY OF THE ORIGINAL OWNER
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.