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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Calatrava

Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 96

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe Reference 96 Calatrava is a manually-wound wristwatch dated to 1947. The timepiece features a yellow gold case approximately 30.5mm in diameter with symmetrical lugs. It is powered by a manually-wound Calibre 12-120 movement, operated via a yellow gold crown positioned at 3 o'clock. The silver dial is distinguished by applied Breguet-style indices, a dot-style minute track, and a concentric subsidiary seconds register at the 6 o'clock position, complemented by feuille-style hands. According to the provided extract from Patek Philippe's archives, the watch was produced in 1947 and originally sold on June 21, 1947. Both the case and dial exhibit visible signs of age-related wear and patina, reflecting its historical use over nearly eight decades.

Front view of the Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 96 with Breguet dial.
Front view of the Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 96 with Breguet dial. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Calatrava
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
96
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1947
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Configuration

The watch is housed in a yellow gold case measuring approximately 30.5mm in diameter, characterized by symmetrical lugs extending from the case band. A gold crown at the 3 o'clock position serves as the interface for the manually-wound mechanism.

The brushed silver dial features applied numerals in a Breguet style. Minute tracking is provided by a series of dots positioned outside the hour markers. A dedicated subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position, featuring a concentric design. The time is indicated by a pair of feuille-shaped hands.

Evidence for this section
  • “approximately 30.5mm in diameter”
  • “applied 'Breguet' indices on the dial”
  • “'dot'-style indices acting as the minute track”
  • “'concentric' subsidiary register for the running seconds”

Movement and Functionality

The piece operates on the Patek Philippe Calibre 12-120. This is a manually-wound movement that has been used in various Patek Philippe models. The movement is accessed and wound via the crown on the right side of the case.

The movement provides the power for the primary hour and minute hands as well as the independent seconds register at the bottom of the dial. The function and winding are facilitated by the external gold crown.

Evidence for this section
  • “powered by Patek's proven and long-running manually-wound Calibre 12-120 movement”
  • “operated by a yellow gold crown at the 3 o'clock position”

Provenance and Documentation

The timepiece is accompanied by an extract retrieved from the Patek Philippe archives. This document provides specific details regarding the origin and initial retail lifecycle of the watch.

The archive documentation specifies that the watch was produced in 1947 and records the original date of retail sale as June 21, 1947. This extract serves as the primary source of provenance for the date of manufacture and sale provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “accompanied by an extract from Patek's archives”
  • “confirming its production in 1947”
  • “original date of sale on June, 21st 1947”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement serial number for this watch?
  • What is the specific case serial number for this watch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Calatrava Reference 96
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference96“the Reference 96”
MaterialYellow gold“executed in yellow gold”
Diameter30.5mm“approximately 30.5mm in diameter”
MovementCalibre 12-120“manually-wound Calibre 12-120 movement”
Production Date1947“this example dats to 1947”
Sale DateJune 21, 1947“original date of sale on June, 21st 1947”
Dial FeaturesBreguet indices“applied 'Breguet' indices on the dial”

Visible details

  • Applied Breguet-style hour indices
  • Concentric subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock
  • Feuille-style hour and minute hands
  • Yellow gold case with fixed lugs

Research qualifications

  • Movement not shown in photographs
  • Specific case or serial number not disclosed in text

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 96 با صفحه Breguet

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 2b33e19fdf

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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