The present timepiece is an attractive “pink on pink” version of the celebrated ref. 96, all confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. To the best of our knowledge it has never been offered in public before.

Its case was made by Antoine Gerlach, one of Geneva’s best case makers at the time, indicated by the key symbol numbered 4 to the inside of the snap on back. The hallmarks to the band and underneath the upper left lug are crisp, indications that the case has not been subjected to excessive polishing.

Reference 96
Reference 96 is undeniably Patek Philippe's most legendary design. Introduced in 1932, the same year as the Stern family became the manufacture’s owner, its timeless case proportions are as modern today, over 70 years later, as they were at the time of its creation. Incorporating elements of Bauhaus, late Art Deco and modernism, it is the perfect embodiment of the 1930s. Amongst connoisseurs, reference 96 is better known as Calatrava, a name which stands for avant-garde philosophy thanks to its subtle, elegant lines - clearly a Patek Philippe signature piece.