PATEK PHILIPPE. A RARE 18K GOLD WRISTWATCH WITH SWEEP CENTRE SECONDS

Launched in 1932, reference 96 was among the first models of Patek Philippe to be given a reference number: the Stern family had acquired the firm indeed in 1932 and the 1930s were a decade of rationalization of the production. Furthermore, they were a decade that saw the inception of a number of landmark models. Considered the Calatrava archetype, reference 96 is indeed the first time this timeless case design makes its appearance. The supremely elegant and simple style immediately imposes itself as a design masterpiece, one that still echoes more than just subtly in today’s Patek Philippe production.