Patek Philippe Calatrava 96

PATEK PHILIPPE REF. 96 “CALATRAVA”, MANUAL-WIND, 18K YELLOW GOLD, WITH SMALL SECONDS A fine and historically important 18K yellow gold wristwatch with small seconds, circa 1940s. Year: Circa 1940s

REF. 96 “CALATRAVA”, MANUAL-WIND, 18K YELLOW GOLD, WITH SMALL SECONDS A fine and historically important 18K yellow gold wristwatch with small seconds, circa 1940s. Year: Circa 1940s Dial: Silvered dial with applied facetted baton indexes, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock, dauphine hands, pre-1947 signature PATEK PHILIPPE & Co GENEVE. Calibre: Manual-wind Patek Philippe calibre 12-120, gilt-finished, 18 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, micrometer regulator, signed, numbered 2819414. Case: 18K yellow gold round case, snap-on back engraved and numbered 293088 / 294218, Swiss hallmarks, signed Patek Philippe & Co. Gross weight approx. 34.23 g. Diameter: 31 mm approx. Bracelet/Strap: Black lizard strap with gilt pin buckle. Signature: Dial, movement and case. Introduced in 1932, the Patek Philippe Ref. 96, known as the Calatrava, is one of the most iconic wristwatches in the history of horology. It was the very first reference to bear the Calatrava name, and its design, inspired by the Bauhaus movement, set the standard for modern dress watches with its clean lines, perfect proportions, and understated elegance. The Ref. 96 housed the celebrated calibre 12-120, a manual-wind movement regarded for its reliability and refined finishing, and was offered in various metals and dial configurations. With a case diameter of 31 mm, it reflects the discreet elegance of mid-20th century watchmaking. Collectors today prize the Ref. 96 not only for its historical significance as the foundation of the Calatrava line, but also for its timeless design language that continues to influence Patek Philippe’s contemporary creations