Patek Philippe Reference 96 Black Dial History

Horology411 · 2016-09-07T20:51:46Z

Horology411 shares the 79-year history of his Patek Philippe Reference 96, detailing its black dial authenticity and upcoming service.

I am proud to be the 2nd! I was also elated to see that the watch is correct as manufactured after so much time. Black seems to be the least (or one of the least) common dial colors for the 96, so I was concerned that through the years the dial had been changed or refinished to black. Even though th

I am proud to be the 2nd!

I was also elated to see that the watch is correct as manufactured after so much time. Black seems to be the least (or one of the least) common dial colors for the 96, so I was concerned that through the years the dial had been changed or refinished to black. Even though the original owner said that it always had a black dial, it is nice to have this assurance straight from the manufacturer. I already knew that the movement and case are matched since I had submitted it for service, and an estimate came back without any notes or warning of a mismatch.

For more information on that, visit the thread following that experience: Send a ref 96 to Patek for servicing?

It was quite an experience to receive this extract exactly one week before the 79th anniversary of its purchase.

It will be spending this anniversary back home at the Genève factory, but it is nearly certain that it will be with me for the 80th next year.

An interesting thought is that these pieces must have been quite in demand, since it was sold the same year as produced. Even if produced and shipped during week one of the year (which is highly unlikely), it was in inventory for less than eight months. There is a possibility that the retailer who sold the piece is even still around, and I would love to get an extract from their sales archives if they have any information.

1937 was a pretty horrible year in nearly every way, but the optimistic look is that at least this watch came out of it.

Cheers,

Chase

The Discussion

amanico

Sep 7, 2016

It is such a fine watch. Best. Nicolas

Horology411

Sep 7, 2016

Although I hesitated to show them because I do not think they do the watch justice. With the service letter. Shot outside it looks more rose, but it is yellow. 12-120 Straight on, the light box cast green on this. Case at 9 Case at 12 Crown is being replaced with an original. Case at 6 Inner Case. Hallmarks on these earlier pieces seem to be different from later pieces. Mr. Bird had this watch for many years before I had the honor.

geross

Sep 7, 2016

I too would in the future order an extract of archives for my wife's watch. Cheers. Geross.

patrick_y

Sep 8, 2016

Thanks for sharing! And black dialed Patek Philippe models are definitely uncommon today. I wasn't alive 79 years ago to comment if it was popular back then, but if I were to guess, I bet it'd be rare back then too.

watercolors

Sep 8, 2016

love your Patek. Thank you for sharing the story of this beautiful watch. Congratulations on the ownership Horology411. Best Regards Edward

GLau

Sep 8, 2016

Congrats on getting it back from service and I eagerly await its 80th birthday photos ! Cheers, Gordon

Patek Philippe Reference 96 Black Dial History

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