Patek Philippe Calatrava 96

PATEK PHILIPPECALATRAVA REF. 96 PATEK PHILIPPE. A RARE AND DESIRABLE 18K GOLD WRISTWATCH WITH BREGUET NUMERALS SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE & CO., CALATRAVA MODEL, REF. 96., MOVEMENT NO. 921'597, CASE NO. 297'408, MANUFACTURED IN 1942

PATEK PHILIPPE. A RARE AND DESIRABLE 18K GOLD WRISTWATCH WITH BREGUET NUMERALS SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE & CO., CALATRAVA MODEL, REF. 96., MOVEMENT NO. 921'597, CASE NO. 297'408, MANUFACTURED IN 1942 Movement: Manual Dial: Silvered Case: 30.5 mm. diam. With: 14k gold later added unsigned bracelet, overall length approximately 165 mm., Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1942 and its subsequent sale on 26 August 1942, later presentation box and outer packaging Remark: From the family of the original owner Fresh to market and from the family of the original owner, the present reference 96 may possibly be one of the most desirable configurations of the well-storied reference as the watch features a 'long signature', Breguet numerals, and spade hands. Further enhancing the watch is its incredibly well-preserved condition indicated by 2 strong hallmarks on the sides of the case/lugs that are often almost always absent in most examples as a simple polish would clear these, and the strong engraved enamel inscriptions. Interesting to note, the movement is stamped 'PXP' meaning that the present timepiece was intended for the American market. Reference 96 Launched in 1932, reference 96 was amongst the first models of Patek Philippe to be given a reference number. This was subsequent with the newly acquired owners, the Stern family wanting to reorganize and revaluate the production of watches. Considered the archetype and first Calatrava, reference 96 laid the foundation for the future of Patek Philippe watches and remains as one of the most iconic watches ever manufactured.