226 Patek Philippe Special Request and Limited Edition to 10 Pieces, Calatrava, Wristwatch in White Gold, Exceptional Mother-of-Pearl Dial, Displaying Only the Number 10, With Extract from the Archives, Reference 3796

Estimate: €100,000 –⁠ 200,000

Model: Calatrava
Reference: 3796
Case Material: White Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1988
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 215 PS
Case N°: 2 849 920
Movement N°: 1 815 498
Dimensions: 31 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Extract from the Archives and Pochette

Reference 3796 is Patek Philippe’s last classic size “original” Calatrava. In production from 1982 until the late 1990s in lieu of the discontinued ref. 96, the first and original Calatrava of the 1930s, the two models look identical when on the wrist, both measuring at 31 mm in diameter. The characteristic that differs from one to the other is the sapphire glass, the new cal. 215 PS of the present reference and the case back which is now waterproof and with a small flap for easier opening. It was available in all three gold colours and in platinum, with a variation of dial layouts. The example here offered has been manufactured in white gold with a truly special dial. In a particular and unique story, Patek Philippe has created a limited series, as represented by the single index on the dial, of 10 watches for 10 friends, each with its own model with dedication on the case back, edition number and name. The story wants that a group of very famous Italian entrepreneurs of the ’80s, thanks to their important and good connections in Patek Philippe’s atelier in Geneva, was able to obtain an incredible limited edition of only 10 pieces, all in white gold and bearing unique and exceptionally rare dials. Speaking directly with the original owner, Alberto Ponzellini, 5 of these 3796 were manufactures with mother-of-pearl dial (such as the present lot), while the other five with onyx stone, all of them displaying just the Arabic 10 numeral in Breguet style. It has to be underline how important this fact is, since Patek Philippe is no use to this kind of special creations except for very important clients. At the same time, the use of mother-of-pearl in Patek’s watches is something definitely uncommon to see considering its fragile nature and rarity: the taste of this group of Italian friends was so fine that also Patek expected to manufacture these unique dials creating a kind of unique precedent in its history. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example to appear at auction officially and thus the first and remarkable opportunity to purchase and own one of the very scarce limited edition made upon special request by Patek Philippe. Moreover this watch is accompanied by the extract from the archives confirming production of the present watch in white gold in 1988 and its subsequent sale on 25 January 1989.