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Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref: 96

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$10,800.00

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  • Details
  • Description
  • Watchmaker Bio
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Model Name:
     Calatrava
    Year: Circa 1945
    Reference No: 96
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12-120 PS
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle:  Unsigned buckle
    Dimensions: 31mm
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: N/A 

  • Reference 96 is a cornerstone of Patek Philippe production, and the first example of what is today possibly the most elegant and distinguished line of dress watches: the Calatrava collection. Launched in 1932, it was not only the first Calatrava, but also one of the very first model to feature a reference number (the reference system was indeed introduced in 1932), and the first model to apply the Bauhaus staple that “form follows function”. Indeed there are no additional and unnecessary ornaments or decorations. The piece achieves its powerful impact thanks to clean, simple, elegant lines. By many, reference 96 is considered the model against which every and all dress watches shall be compared, a true benchmark for the category.

    The present example is well preserved in absolutely mint condition with silvered dial. It also has outer "perlé" minute ring with with faceted gold indexes that sparkles at different angles. A truly collectible timepiece for every collector.

  • 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.