Comments:
79 Years Ago Today, My Reference 96 Met its 1st Owner
I am proud to be the 2nd!
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.
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
Very interesting post. Please post some pictures when your Ref 96 is back.
It is such a fine watch.
Best.
Nicolas
I have a few pictures that I took to document the condition of the piece before it departed.
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.
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.
I've seen the two first in your previous post. That will be interesting to see a " before / after " when you receive it. [nt]
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Sorry for the repeat, but I only have one set of pictures, and I thought it would be odd to post the rest without those two.
I am very excited for the watch to be complete again! I am also extremely anxious to see the precision and accuracy this movement is capable of! I have heard wonderful things about the Calibre 12 line.
Knowing the history of your watch is an awesome experience.
I too would in the future order an extract of archives for my wife's watch.
Cheers.
Geross.
Cheers.
Geross.
It is a wonderful value add for an enthusiast.
I only wish more manufacturers would offer the service!
Very nice!
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.
I do not have many black dial watches, so I understand that it may not be popular.
Although I think the minute track should shine beautifully once it is back in order.
Very interesting....
love your Patek. Thank you for sharing the story of this beautiful watch. Congratulations on the ownership Horology411. Best Regards Edward
It is my pleasure Edward!
For now the stories are mostly researching its history, although I look forward to making new stories with it. Cheers, Chase.
Hi Chase, such a wonderful watch with so much history!
Congrats on getting it back from service and I eagerly await its 80th birthday photos !
Cheers,
Gordon
Cheers,
Gordon
Hi Gordon, thank you, and I hope that at our next meeting it will be present!
Sadly it is not back yet, those were just some photos prior to departure. It is expected in this coming February, and I hope to do an "un-boxing" photo shoot! Cheers, Chase
Redial
It may of been black originally, but fairly certain someone had the dial redone over the life of the watch.
Is Patek redoing the dial back to original spec, or just cleaning it?
Is Patek redoing the dial back to original spec, or just cleaning it?
It is being restored to original.
I knew it was redone when I bought it, hence the comment about not being certain of the original color until the extract arrived.
That should look cool
Interested to see how Patek restores proper logo, etc. best of luck
I can promise you that the PuristS will be the first to know!
I am excited as well. 
Cheers, Chase
Cheers, Chase
Cool post to know about the history and owner of the watch …
but I find the Archive disclaimer very interesting.
Aloha,
Bob
I agree Bob. Although the disclaimer will be irrelevant in this case.
Since the watch is currently receiving a full service and restoration, PP will absolutely be taking "position regarding the authenticity of the watch in its current condition, or its components or the materials used." Although they will be doing so somewhat indirectly via the service documents, as well as warrantying the piece.
While the extract is nice even by itself, it adds true value in conjunction with current service and warranty paperwork.
While the extract is nice even by itself, it adds true value in conjunction with current service and warranty paperwork.
Although some may not agree, I think it's always good to have the paperwork. :-) Aloha. Bob [nt]
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