Introduced in 1932, the Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 96 marks the birth of one of the Manufacture’s most iconic collections. The watch was designed by David Penney, combining an extraordinarily sober design, a 31 mm round case, a flat bezel, and an extremely legible dial. Early models were equipped with a 12-line LeCoultre movement, later replaced from 1934 onward first by the in-house 12-120 movement, then by the 12-400, and in the final series by the 27-AM-400.

Over the production years, until around 1973, this reference was made in a wide variety of configurations, the most common being two-hand models or with seconds at six o’clock, generally in yellow gold cases.

This lot, coming from the family of the first owner and preserved in excellent condition, presents features that make it one of the rarest and most interesting examples of this production.

Starting with the dial, which features applied indexes and Roman numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, with long signature and central seconds. The pink gold case represents a relatively uncommon variant, made even more special by the presence of the bracelet in the same material, also original and stamped Gay Frères, the historic bracelet maker for Patek Philippe and other prestigious brands.

Overall, this example represents an incredible opportunity to add to a collection a timepiece of remarkable significance in Patek Philippe’s history, preserved in excellent condition.