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Patek Philippe. A rare and attractive 18K gold wristwatch with black lacquer dial

Signed Patek Philippe & Co, Genève, Calatrava model, ref. 96, movement no. 923’072, case no. 298’088, manufactured in 1943

Details

Patek Philippe. A rare and attractive 18K gold wristwatch with black lacquer dial
Signed Patek Philippe & Co, Genève, Calatrava model, ref. 96, movement no. 923’072, case no. 298’088, manufactured in 1943
MOVEMENT: manual, cal. 12’’’120, 18 jewels
DIAL: black lacquer, applied gold baton numerals, outer railway minute divisions, sunk engine-turned subsidiary seconds
CASE: 18K gold, flat bezel, snap on back, 31 mm. diam.
BUCKLE: 18K gold Patek Philippe buckle
ACCOMPANIED BY: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the manufacture of the present watch with black dial and raised indexes in gold in 1943 and its subsequent sale on 6 May 1943

Special Notice

This lot is offered without reserve. On lots marked with an + in the catalogue, VAT will be charged at 8% on both the premium as well as the hammer price. Many of the watches offered for sale in this catalogue are pictured with straps made of endangered or protected animal materials such as alligator or crocodile. These endangered species straps are shown for display purposes only and are not for sale. Christie’s will remove and retain the strap prior to shipment from the sale site. At some sale sites, Christie’s may, at its discretion, make the displayed endangered species strap available to the buyer of the lot free of charge if collected in person from the sale site within 1 year of the date of the sale. Please check with the department for details on a particular lot.

Lot Essay

Recently overhauled in the workshops of Patek Philippe and still retaining the International Customer Service tag and protective sticker to the back the present watch is preserved in very overall condition. Its rarity is further enhanced by the black dial, confirmed by the Extract from the Archives.

Reference 96
Reference 96 is undeniably Patek Philippe's most legendary design. Introduced in 1932, its timeless case proportions are as modern today, over 70 years later, as they were at the time of its creation. Incorporating elements of Bauhaus, late Art Deco and modernism, it is the perfect 1930s effigy. Amongst connoisseurs, reference 96 is better known as Calatrava, a name which stands for avant-garde philosophy thanks to its subtle, elegant lines - clearly Patek Philippe's signature piece.

Reference 96 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches Volume II, pp. 329-335.

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