134 Patek Philippe A rare and attractive, Calatrava, manual wristwatch in yellow gold, with small seconds and black dial, retailed By Eberhard Milano with Extract from the Archives, reference 96.

Estimate: € 15.000 –⁠ 30.000

• Model Calatrava
• Year 1941
• Reference 96
• Case Material 18K yellow gold
• Case Number 296'878
• Bracelet Material Leather strap
• Movement Manual, cal. 12-120, 18 jewels
• Movement Number 920'560
• Dimension 30.5mm Diameter
• Signed Case, dial and movement
• Accessories Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present timepiece in 1941 and its subsequent sale on April 29th 1941.

Introduced in 1932, at a time when the world economy trembled and even the greatest maisons faced uncertainty, the reference 96 marked a new beginning under the Stern family. The reference 96 remained in production for more than four decades, evolving subtly through dial variations, hand configurations, and different seconds layouts: subsidiary seconds at six, center seconds, and even rare no-seconds executions. The present example, confirmed by Extract from the Archives, belongs to a particularly captivating chapter of this story. Delivered in 1941 and fitted with an original black dial, an uncommon and highly desirable configuration for the period, it stands apart from standard production. The long signature at 12 o’clock, the elegant dauphine hands, the precise chemin-de-fer minute track: these details create a dramatic contrast against the yellow gold case. Adding yet another layer of distinction, the dial bears the retailer signature of Eberhard Milano, a highly unusual and compelling co-signature. Timepieces by Patek Philippe featuring the dial signature of the Milanese retailer Eberhard are especially prized by collectors. Such double-signed examples testify to the exceptional reputation and expertise of the retailer, whose refined eye and deep understanding of horology led it to select and distribute some of the most distinguished creations of their time. Most importantly, the Extract confirms the black dial as original. The watch is also accompanied by a guarantee from Giorgio Gregato, a leading figure and prominent name in the Italian watch market throughout the 1990s and 2000s.