Patek Philippe Calatrava: Vintage sunday and the ref 96

Apr 29, 2018,05:49 AM
 





The Patek Philippe Calatrava, is one of the most recognisable designs ever made. It was launched in 1932, by the Stern family who had just taken over the ailing company. Some say the Calatrava probably saved the company from bankruptcy. If you ask most collectors they would put the classical Calatrava in the top 10 of the most iconic watch designs. Yet it’s designed following the minimalistic ethos of the Bauhaus philosophy- form should follow functionality. The first reference was the 96, 31mm in diameter and 9 mm thick it was simply beautiful. 
Here is a stunning rare version from 1938 with Breguet numbers and hugely desirable steel case. Thanks to Somlo for allowing me to take the pictures.
Enjoy with me one of the most iconic Watches ever made.













Please share your Vintage Calatrava!

Best
Imran


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iconic in many ways....for sure [nt]

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : April 29th, 2018-07:12
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Thanks for the history Imran.

 
 By: geross : April 29th, 2018-07:22
The very first Calatrava. Cheers! Geross.
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Stunning. Time only at its best.

 
 By: Miles_151 : April 29th, 2018-07:32
Thank you Imran for yet another great post and great pictures of an iconic watch that for me oozes Patek DNA. M.
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Thanks for the post Imran

 
 By: xxn : April 29th, 2018-07:57
would you be kind enough to share a side by side with a larger watch? Many thanks in advance.
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The grand father of the 5196P. Lovely! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : April 29th, 2018-08:01
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I would buy it tomorrow...

 
 By: mdg : April 29th, 2018-08:15
...if it had a 240 auto movement, or a larger diameter manual movement.
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achingly beautiful [nt]

 
 By: watch-guy.com : April 29th, 2018-13:40
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😬😬😬

 
 By: renerod : December 29th, 2018-16:25
I was revisiting your great thread, and since nobody posted theirs, I post the closest thing I have. Best. René ...  
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Thank you for your post! Here is my humble contribution...

 
 By: Musigny82 : December 29th, 2018-21:57
A 3796R. ...  
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Mine is even more humble

 
 By: cazalea : January 4th, 2019-09:02
but I guess it qualifies. Maybe from the 1950's? Approx 32mm case size, 18mm strap. Can anyone tell me more? Cazalea ...  
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who is Somlo?

 
 By: ymb : June 1st, 2023-19:51
hello. who is this 'Somlo' person? wondering if this person is selling this Patek 96 Steel Breguet in the post. I'm interested. PM
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