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Lot Essay
The most notable feature of the present reference 3796 is its highly coveted double-signed dial bearing the prestigious Beyer signature. Patek Philippe and Beyer Chronometrie share one of the longest-standing relationships in Swiss watchmaking, with a partnership dating back to the earliest years of the Geneva manufacture. Since the Stern family acquired Patek Philippe in 1932, this relationship has developed beyond a purely commercial association, becoming a close bond between two families deeply rooted in Swiss horology. In recognition of this exceptional partnership, Beyer Chronometrie was entrusted in July 2011 with the opening of Switzerland's first retailer-managed Patek Philippe boutique.
Watches bearing the signatures of both Patek Philippe and an important retailer occupy a particularly fascinating place in the manufacture's history. Produced only for select partners and in comparatively small numbers, these double-signed dials provide a tangible record of the relationships between Patek Philippe and the great watch retailers of the twentieth century. The presence of the Beyer signature therefore adds considerable historical significance and collectability to the present timepiece.
Reference 3796
Introduced in 1982, reference 3796 succeeded the legendary reference 96 and is regarded as the last traditionally proportioned Calatrava to remain closely faithful to the dimensions and aesthetic principles of the original model. While preserving its predecessor's timeless design, the reference incorporated several important modernisations, notably a sapphire crystal and the upgraded hand-wound calibre 215 S.
Produced until the late 1990s, reference 3796 was offered in yellow, pink, and white gold as well as platinum, together with a wide variety of dial configurations. Its restrained proportions, clean lines, and mechanical simplicity make it one of the purest modern expressions of the Calatrava concept.
Watches bearing the signatures of both Patek Philippe and an important retailer occupy a particularly fascinating place in the manufacture's history. Produced only for select partners and in comparatively small numbers, these double-signed dials provide a tangible record of the relationships between Patek Philippe and the great watch retailers of the twentieth century. The presence of the Beyer signature therefore adds considerable historical significance and collectability to the present timepiece.
Reference 3796
Introduced in 1982, reference 3796 succeeded the legendary reference 96 and is regarded as the last traditionally proportioned Calatrava to remain closely faithful to the dimensions and aesthetic principles of the original model. While preserving its predecessor's timeless design, the reference incorporated several important modernisations, notably a sapphire crystal and the upgraded hand-wound calibre 215 S.
Produced until the late 1990s, reference 3796 was offered in yellow, pink, and white gold as well as platinum, together with a wide variety of dial configurations. Its restrained proportions, clean lines, and mechanical simplicity make it one of the purest modern expressions of the Calatrava concept.