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Lot Essay
Among the rarest and most fascinating vintage timepieces are those double-signed with the prestigious name of a great retailer, in this case, Beyer of Zürich. When offered at auction, double-signed vintage wristwatches consistently generate significant interest from collectors seeking to obtain their favorite models with the added exclusivity of a distinguished retailer’s signature.
The present example has a very attractive black dial with yellow gold sword-shaped hour markers. A truly captivating aesthetic is produced by the harmonious blending of this striking dial with the elegant yet technically balanced case proportions.
Reference 96
Introduced in 1932, reference 96 was one of the first Patek Philippe models to be given a reference number, not long after the Stern family acquired the business and started restructuring and redefining its manufacturing. Considered by many to be the archetype of the Calatrava collection, reference 96 served as inspiration for Patek Philippe's following designs and remains one of the most recognizable wristwatches ever made.
Beyer Chronometrie Zurich
The esteemed company has been handed down from father to son, each of whom is a fully qualified watchmaker, since its founding in 1760. Beyer Chronometrie has been selling Patek Philippe watches for more that 175 years and was the first store in Switzerland to focus solely on watches, clocks, and jewelry. Since 2025, the business is now headed by Muriel Zahn-Beyer.
The partnership between Patek Philippe and Beyer reaches back to the earliest years of the Geneva manufacture. With roots in much more than just business, it is the most enduring partnership maintained by either company and one of the most intimate since the Stern family bought Patek Philippe in 1932. Beyer Chronometrie was honored to open the first retailer-managed Patek Philippe boutique in Switzerland in July 2011 as a testament to their longstanding relationship.
The present example has a very attractive black dial with yellow gold sword-shaped hour markers. A truly captivating aesthetic is produced by the harmonious blending of this striking dial with the elegant yet technically balanced case proportions.
Reference 96
Introduced in 1932, reference 96 was one of the first Patek Philippe models to be given a reference number, not long after the Stern family acquired the business and started restructuring and redefining its manufacturing. Considered by many to be the archetype of the Calatrava collection, reference 96 served as inspiration for Patek Philippe's following designs and remains one of the most recognizable wristwatches ever made.
Beyer Chronometrie Zurich
The esteemed company has been handed down from father to son, each of whom is a fully qualified watchmaker, since its founding in 1760. Beyer Chronometrie has been selling Patek Philippe watches for more that 175 years and was the first store in Switzerland to focus solely on watches, clocks, and jewelry. Since 2025, the business is now headed by Muriel Zahn-Beyer.
The partnership between Patek Philippe and Beyer reaches back to the earliest years of the Geneva manufacture. With roots in much more than just business, it is the most enduring partnership maintained by either company and one of the most intimate since the Stern family bought Patek Philippe in 1932. Beyer Chronometrie was honored to open the first retailer-managed Patek Philippe boutique in Switzerland in July 2011 as a testament to their longstanding relationship.