138 Patek Philippe Tasteful and Sophisticated, Calatrava, Wristwatch in Steel, With Silver Dial, Reference 96, Extract from the Archives

Estimate: € 9.000 –⁠ 18.000

Reference 96 such as the present lot is undeniably Patek Philippe’s most legendary design. 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. Its timeless case proportions are as modern today, over 70 years later, as they were at the time of its creation. The specimen here offered is one of those very rare made in stainless steel: its three-body case with flat bezel, concave lugs and snap on back is extremely well preserved with very sharp edges and no evident signs of wearing. The dial is silvered with applied steel baton indexes is, moreover, embellished by the uncommon Roman numerals at 3, 9 and 12 o’clock, subsidiary seconds at 6 and steel baton hands are also nicely preserved. Among connoisseurs, the Calatrava reference 96 is the benchmark par excellence when measuring the elegance of a watch, as well as a true example for the category. Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in Steel in 1950 and its subsequent sale on 28 April 1950.