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Somazzi - Patek Philippe in Lugano, Switzerland
In showcase 64 of the Patek Philippe Museum, entitled "The Second at the Center", sits this magnificent watch with a two-tone sector dial signed “Somazzi Lugano”.
The movement was manufactured in 1919 and the case in 1934.
As shown by these pages from the two museum catalogues I have, this is a reference 96 SC (for Second at the Centre).
And the case is made of a “non-corroding steel alloy marketed as ‘Staybrite’”.
Other ref. 96 from the same period with the exact same sector dial can be found, like the following one, which dates from 1935.
Or this one, also from 1935, with a dial signed with the name of the Milanese retailer Hausmann & Co.
credit: onbehalf
credit: Somazzi
credit: Antiquorum
White gold ref. 5296G-013
Rose gold ref. 5296R-012
credit: Antiquorum
The movement was manufactured in 1919 and the case in 1934.
As shown by these pages from the two museum catalogues I have, this is a reference 96 SC (for Second at the Centre).
And the case is made of a “non-corroding steel alloy marketed as ‘Staybrite’”.
Other ref. 96 from the same period with the exact same sector dial can be found, like the following one, which dates from 1935.
Or this one, also from 1935, with a dial signed with the name of the Milanese retailer Hausmann & Co.
credit: onbehalf
This iconic two-tone sector dial was obviously the source of inspiration of the modern ref. 5296G-001:
credit: @pauldavidmaudsley
I could of course end the post here. But I prefer to delve a little deeper by researching who Somazzi is and whether there are other pieces whose dial is also signed “Somazzi Lugano” or other important collaboration pieces.
credit: @pauldavidmaudsley
I could of course end the post here. But I prefer to delve a little deeper by researching who Somazzi is and whether there are other pieces whose dial is also signed “Somazzi Lugano” or other important collaboration pieces.
Well, first, Orologeria Somazzi was founded in 1860 by Stefano Somazzi and it is a family business that has been selling, repairing and restoring watches ever since.
It has retailed Patek Philippe timepieces since 1906.
credit: Somazzi
I have been able to find several watches with a dial signed “Somazzi”, but none except one with a dial signed “Somazzi Lugano” like the example of the Patek Philippe Museum.
This exception is the following ref. 130, which, according to Antiquroum, was made in 1937, delivered to E. Somazzi, Lugano, on December 2, 1937.
The image is of very poor quality, but the dial seems to be signed “E. Somazzi Lugano”, Emilio Somazzi being the son of Stefano, who took over the business in 1892.
credit: Antiquorum
Here are other examples with only “Somazzi”.
A ref. 130 from 1947:
credit: Sotheby's
A ref. 96 from 1933:
credit: onbehalf
A ref. 1516 from 1942:
credit: Christie's
A ref. 570 with unknown date:
credit: Bulang & Sons
And a ref. 3548/1J from 1972:
credit: 41 Watch
credit: Sotheby's
A ref. 96 from 1933:
credit: onbehalf
A ref. 1516 from 1942:
credit: Christie's
A ref. 570 with unknown date:
credit: Bulang & Sons
And a ref. 3548/1J from 1972:
credit: 41 Watch
Finally, in 2010, Patek Philippe celebrated Somazzi's 150th anniversary with two special versions of the ref. 5296.
Both were limited to 15 pieces, each bearing the following text on the sapphire caseback: “150 anni Somazzi 1860-2010” as well as the number “xx/15”.
Rose gold ref. 5296R-012
credit: Antiquorum
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
Thanks for the wonderful post, Emmanuel!
The sector dials got me thinking about this one which is a very close copy ( the dial, hands and even the case). This is my TZ 21st anniversary edition from 2017. I have loved it since then 😁.
I need to pull it out of the bank vault so I can enjoy it all over again.
I need to pull it out of the bank vault so I can enjoy it all over again.
Thank you, Steve! Your TZ looks wonderful.
I’m sure it’ll be happy to get some wrist time! ;-)
Best, Emmanuel
Best, Emmanuel
Thanks Emmanuel for the post with such intersesting history ! Sector dial is an interesting design !
Many years ago when I saw reviewing Calatrava AR models, the 5396 sector dial drew my attention. I liked the overall design but at the end felt that with an AR function, the dial was too busy for my taste. 5296 on the other hand strikes a very good balance.
Given Patek worked with many family owned retailers in the past, I wonder how many of them was able to have dials double-stamped ?
Given Patek worked with many family owned retailers in the past, I wonder how many of them was able to have dials double-stamped ?
I agree with you that the sector dial of the 5296 looks better than the one of the 5396.
Concerning the double stamped dials, I have listed around 30 different brands: I will post about it soon.
Best, Emmanuel
Best, Emmanuel
Wonderful post dear Emmanuel.
Of course I would prefer always the original. It is such a lovely and iconic watch. 😍😍😍
Thanks for sharing.
René
Thanks for sharing.
René
Thank you, René. Like you, I think that the ref. 96
with a two-tone sector dial, whether double signed or not is in a class of its own.
Best, Emmanuel
Best, Emmanuel
Very informative post, Emmanuel, many thanks for it!
Well, I have purchased my wonderful Jaeger Chronograph Sector dial watch in Lugano by Somazzi, two years ago:
They are still in the business, what I find respectable after so many years!
Truly yours,
Adam
They are still in the business, what I find respectable after so many years!
Truly yours,
Adam
Wow, great timepiece, Adam,
and great that it comes from Somazzi!
Thanks for chiming in and sharing your watch!
Best, Emmanuel
Thanks for chiming in and sharing your watch!
Best, Emmanuel