The Patek Philippe with the reference 96 is a true piece of watch history - and for good reason. Built in 1956, it embodies the simple elegance and artisanal finesse for which Patek Philippe has always been known. The Calatrava is considered an icon of classic watch design. As one of the earliest models in this line, the Ref. 96 symbolizes the purism of the 1950s: a slender case, clean lines, and a minimalist dial that nevertheless exudes tremendous presence. In 1959—three years after its production—it finally found its way to its first owner. This speaks to a time when watches were not yet mass-produced and were often delivered individually for customers or in small batches. Today, this watch is almost 70 years old. Yet its timeless design has lost none of its relevance. It tells the story of an era in which precision, restraint, and true craftsmanship set the standards—values ​​that Patek Philippe embodies to this day. The Ref. 96 is not just a watch, but a silent witness to a golden era of watchmaking.