Importantes Montres de Collection

Geneva, Nov 13, 2011

LOT 330

Patek Philippe & Cie, Genève, "Calatrava Observatory type", No. 122898, case No. 612616. Produced in 1903, cased in 1936, sold on February 5, 1936. Possibly unique and extremely fine and rare stainless steel Staybrite wristwatch with sector dial and subsidiary dial at 9. Recently overhauled by Patek Philippe Geneva. Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives and the original Patek Philippe fitted box.

CHF 15,000 - 25,000

USD 16,000 - 27,000 / EUR 12,000 - 20,000

Sold: CHF 98,500

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, fl at bezel, concave lugs. D. Satiné silver with printed Arabic numerals and indexes, outer minute graduation, guilloché subsidiary seconds dial. Blued steel feuille hands. M. Cal. 12''', gilt brass, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet balance spring, Wilmot's patented micrometer regulator. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 30 mm


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade:
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-8

Very good

Slightly scratched

Notes

Introduced in 1932, the reference 96 was the fi rst Patek Philippe watch to be called Calatrava. Launched with the caliber 12, it was predestined to become a favorite among collectors. Available in all metals (stainless steel, yellow, pink, white gold and platinum), with huge variations in designs (subisidiary seconds, sub-seconds, no seconds; Arabic, baton, Breguet numerals). Quickly prized by the Japanese market in the late 1970's for the subtle variations and for its understated classic look and smaller size. Historically at auction, stainless steel versions have always been at the top of the segment for their rarity and for the fact that some were defi nitely custom-ordered, making them unique. This is more than likely the case for the present example. Never seen or offered at auction before, it is only one case number apart from another similar example sold by Antiquorum (Lot 438, 28-11-2001 NY, case number 612617). It is interesting to note that both examples have a personalized dial.