Patek Philippe. A rare and very attractive platinum wristwatch with later added two-tone sector dial

The present rare platinum cased reference 96, dating from 1950, is fitted with an earlier, highly charismatic and incredibly beautiful two-tone sector dial. The Extract from the Archives states that the watch was sold with a “platinum dial with laped indexes”, it is also clear that the present dial dates from around the mid-1930s, confirmed by the “long” Patek Philippe & Co. signature found before 1948. It is likely that a past owner had this dial fitted simply for its great looks and easy readability.

The dial itself is extremely well preserved and without any signs of cosmetic enhancement, in fact, a stunningly original and highly desirable sector dial in its own right. The hard enamel details of the markers, minute scale and seconds are raised as is the signature, still retaining the comma between “Patek” and “Philippe” and the accented “è” of “Genève”. The platinum Calatrava case, made by master case maker Antoine Gerlach, perfectly reveals how the reference 96’s architectural and timeless design remains modern even three quarter of a century after its creation.

Reference 96
Reference 96 is undeniably Patek Philippe's most legendary design. Introduced in 1932, the same year as the Stern family became the manufacture’s owner, 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 embodiment of the 1930s. Amongst connoisseurs, reference 96 is better known as Calatrava, a name which stands for avant-garde philosophy thanks to its subtle, elegant lines - clearly a Patek Philippe signature piece.