PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 96A RARE PLATINUM AND DIAMOND SET WRISTWATCH MADE IN 1948

Dial: silvered, diamond set indexesCaliber: cal. 12-120 manual winding movement, 20 jewelsMovement number: 963297Case: platinum, solid snap on case backCase number: 301701Closure: platinum Patek Philippe buckleSize: diameter 30 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture in 1948 and sale on May 30, 1949 with diamond set indexes

The reference 96 famously symbolizes a new era for Patek Philippe. The timepiece was launched in 1932, the year Charles and Jean Stern purchased Patek Philippe & Cie. It is the first Calatrava model ever made, and the first serially produced referenced timepiece ever produced by the firm. Indeed the Ref 96 marks many firsts and with no surprises, has become an icon of the manufacture for its understated elegance. The model was produced in yellow, white and pink gold, stainless steel, and very sparingly in platinum. Of the reference's 50 year history, very few examples are known in platinum with diamond indexes. 

The reference is illustrated in Huber, M., Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, 1998 p. 118, 173-174, 182-183.