Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces.

Geneva, Nov 12, 2017

LOT 401

PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA 96 STEEL " ONE OF THE FIRST (9) " Fine, rare and very early, manual winding wristwatch stainless steel with silver dial, small second and circular signature.

CHF 20,000 - 40,000

HKD 160,000 - 320,000 / USD 20,000 - 40,000

TO BE SOLD WITHOUT RESERVE

Sold: CHF 28,750


Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good

Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Dial: 3-6-01

Good

Slightly oxidized

HANDS Original

Brand Patek Philippe

Model Calatrava

Reference Ref. 96

Year 1933

Bracelet Patek Philippe leather with stainless steel buckle

Numbers Case N. 610994, Movement N. 826724

Caliber 12''' with double poinçon de Genève

Signature Dial, case and movement.

Accessories Extract from the Archives

Notes

* Introduced in 1932, the reference 96 was the first Patek Philippe watch to be called Calatrava. Launched with the caliber 12, it was predistined to become a favorite among collectors. Available in all metals (stainless steel, yellow, pink, white gold and platinium with huge variations in desings (subsidiary seconds, sub-seconds, no seconds ; Arabic, baton, Breguet numerals). Quickly prized by the Japanese market in the late 1970's for the subtle variations and for its understated classic look and smaller size. Historically at auction, stainless steel versions have always been at the top of the segment for their rarity and the fact that somme were definitely custom-ordered, making them unique. This is more than likely the case for the present. Never seen or offered at auction before, it's one the first ref. 96, with the back case showing a circular PATEK PHILIPPE signature and with a movement presenting a double "Poinçon de Genève". Scholars believe the engraved inside the case indicate the production series, making this one of the first Calatravas ever produced. To be sold without reserve