Historically Important Steel Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref:96 Indirect Seconds circa 1935

In the 1930’s Patek Philippe introduced a timepiece that combined precision with prestige.  Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 96 is considered by many to be the blueprint for the ultimate dress watch and also the first model to introduce numbered references to Patek Philippe’s timepieces. Inspired by the Bauhaus principle – form follows function, the minimalist design was to establish timekeeping to its purest without superfluous details or unnecessary flourishes. The focus was on indicating the time, and only the time, in the clearest and most attractive way possible. This concept has remained virtually unchanged for 85 years since Patek Philippe introduced the Reference 96 in 1932.

Hence the Calatrava was born.

Indirect Seconds variation on the Reference 96 saw the removal of the sub-dial and the inclusion of a sweep central seconds hand, however, it still used the same movement as the original. Approximately 1% of Vintage Patek Philippe watches were produced in steel, and of these, a subsequent minimal production of the Reference 96 with Indirect Seconds is what makes this watch so rare and desirable.

Design of a Steel Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref:96

• Steel Case 31mm
• Blued hands
• Baton numerals
• Sector Dial
• Signed case, dial and movement

Functions and Features of a Steel Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref:96

• Manual winding movement
• Indirect Seconds

This Steel Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref:96 circa 1935 is extremely rare and highly desirable.