212 Patek Philippe Tasteful and Sophisticated Calatrava Wristwatch in Pink Gold, Reference 96, With Pink Dial, Retailed by Gobbi Milano. Accompained by the Extract from the Archives

Estimate: € 8,000 –⁠ 16,000

Sold € 18,200

Model: Calatrava
Reference: 96
Case Material: Pink Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather strap
Year: 1951
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 12-120
Case N°: 303704
Movement N°: 968136
Dimensions: 31 mm
Signed: Case, dial, movement
Accessories: Extract from the archives

If there is ever to create a ranking of the most iconic and important time-only watches in the history of the industry, among those conceived by Patek Philippe at the first place would certainly be the reference 96. This model is undoubtedly a cornerstone of Patek Philippe production and represents the first example of what is today possibly the most elegant lines of wristwatches: the Calatrava. The 96 was launched in 1932 and further changed the way of defining watches because it became the first model in history to which the reference number was added. The present lot is a wonderful specimen pink-on-pink. The 31 mm 18k pink gold case is simply great for its conditions and still very sharp edges, crisp as they were in 1951 when the watch left Geneva to be sent to Gobbi. The pink color of the dial is perfect, the enamel signature at 12 o’clock is correct for the manufacture date and the Gobbi firm is crisp and confirm the retailer. Gobbi is one of the most important retailers in Italian history, born initially in Modena in 1842 from the desire of the watchmaker Riamondo Gobbi who obtained the title of “Real Court Watchmaker” directly from the Grand Duke in 1852. Discontinued in 1973, this is one of the longest in Patek Philippe production and was equipped with the caliber 12–120, one of the rarest equipped on a Patek Philippe Calatrava. Among connoisseurs, reference 96 is the benchmark par excellence when measuring the elegance of a watch, as well a true example for the category. With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in rose gold in 1951 and its subsequent sale on 22 August 1951.