Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 96 - 'Breguet' Dial w/ Extract
The Patek Philippe Calatrava. Arguably the brands most iconic model line, and purest expression of the brand. Their raison d'etre if you will.
The line has been a hit since its debut in 1932. So much so, that the name "Calatrava" itself has become something of a byword within the watch industry for traditionally styled, no-frills dress watches that simply tell the time. Over the course of its nearly 100-years of production, there have been seemingly countless iterations within the line, with variations in the metal they are made in, with their size, dial configurations, and eventually, complications.
The Calatrava that we have here is perhaps the quintessential vintage Calatrava reference: the Reference 96. Coming in at approximately 30.5mm in diameter, this example dats to 1947 and is executed in yellow gold. The case itself is healthy and retains symmetrical lugs at all four corners. It presents nicely shows honest signs of wear from age. Inside, the brushed silver dial, also shows wear from its nearly 80-years of life, and is cohesive with that of the case. The real highlight here, are the applied 'Breguet' indices on the dial. Far less common than the more often seen 'pencil' or 'stick' indices, these are coveted by collectors and stunning to behold. Additionally, there are 'dot'-style indices acting as the minute track on the outside of the 5-minute markers, and a 'concentric' subsidiary register for the running seconds at the 6 o'clock position. The indices are complimented by a 'feuille' handset. Like the case, the dial shows wear and patina from its long life lived. This piece is powered by Patek's proven and long-running manually-wound Calibre 12-120 movement, which is operated by a yellow gold crown at the 3 o'clock position.
Last but not least, this piece is accompanied by an extract from Patek's archives confirming its production in 1947 and its original date of sale on June, 21st 1947.
The word icon gets thrown around a lot in the world of watches and horology... this one is absolutely worthy of it.
There are watches, and then there are watches! This is one of the latter.
Condition Report & Details
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From Rolex & Patek Philippe, to Cartier & Audemars Piguet. As collectors first, we love the small details that separate the Submariner from Daytona and Calatrava from Royal Oak. This is why you'll find our curated assortment spans decades of generations of models and brands. We believe that watches don't just tell time, they tell history - and life is too short to wear a boring watch.
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