Technical Details & Model History

• Case: 18k yellow gold, 31 mm diameter
• Movement: manual-wind Patek Philippe caliber 12-120
• Dial: extremely rare original long signature dial with applied Breguet numerals
• Crystal: domed plexiglass
• Strap: original black crocodile strap
• Buckle: original Patek Philippe yellow-gold buckle
• Reference: 96
• Year of production: 1943
• Documentation: official Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives
• Condition: excellent, completely original and exceptionally well preserved

Key Features

• Long signature dial with applied Breguet numerals—one of the rarest and most sought-after configurations of ref. 96
• 18k yellow-gold case with pure, essential lines—a benchmark of perfect proportions
• Caliber 12-120, an emblematic example of Patek Philippe craftsmanship of the 1940s
• Original strap and buckle preserved—an exceptionally valuable detail for collectors
• Accompanied by its archival Extract confirming date and configuration

Historical Context

The Patek Philippe ref. 96 is the very first—and arguably the most iconic—design of the Calatrava line. Introduced in 1932, it immediately became a reference point for classical watchmaking thanks to its perfect proportions and high-grade movement. This rare 1943 example, featuring the original long-signature dial with applied Breguet numerals, ranks among the most coveted and elusive configurations. The presence of its original strap and buckle, together with the Patek Philippe archival Extract, makes it a top-tier collectors’ piece.