Passions Watch Exchange

About This Watch

Vintage. Comes with the Patek shipping box & the factory "Extract from the Archives" certificate stating that this watch was manufactured in 1951 and sold on 15 April 1953.

In mid 2014, this watch was returned to the Patek Philippe's service centre in Singapore and found to be in excellent order where a servicing was not necessary. It presents good as new now as you can see from the pictures except a faint little dimple dent on the back cover that's so faint that it proved difficult to be photographed. The watch was sealed in their vacuum-pack for protection but we have just opened it for photography and watch has never been worn since acquisition in recent years.

This watch is meant for the discerning collector who demands the best. It is a 65 years old watch but is fresh as new except for not being water resistant and be careful of scratching the plastic crystal. Otherwise, it will serve you well like any modern manual winding Patek Philippe. There are many vintage watches out there but this is the crème de l'crème especially presented in the ultra-rare platinum case with a factory diamonds dial. The owner took much effort to locate this watch, searching through hundreds of global vendors before acquiring it then immediately purchased a new strap and a platinum buckle for S$2370 with invoice to be given to you so these are value added to the watch. It is ready to be worn and needs nothing else.

This watch would possibly be the top of the range for the Ref.96 Calatrava. The Ref.96 Calatrava traces its roots back to the early 1930s and was in production up to the 1950s. It was replaced by Ref.3796 followed by 5196 which is still in production now. The flat & polished bezel is the unmistakable feature of this model and quintessential identity of the brand for much of the last century. As you can see, the watch was manufactured in 1951 but took two years to find a buyer as World War Two has just ended few years earlier and the world was recovering from it's devastating effects. A platinum watch with diamonds would have been too much luxury even for the well heeled. This watch would be such a rare and valuable timepiece in it's days with just a few watch companies producing timepieces.

Production of the round movement calibre 12'''-120 started in 1935, of which 24'188 pieces were made and used until 1953. This movement was housed in classic, round or fantasy cases including the cloisonné enamel dial Worldtime Ref.1415.

Further 3% discount for cash payment & worldwide delivery.

*6% GST is applicable on top of our advertised prices for sales in Malaysia only.