Property of the original Swiss family. 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 platinum with huge variations in designs (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 some 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.