PATEK PHILIPPE YELLOW GOLD CALATRAVA, “THE MAINLINER”, REF. 96J

The ref. 96 was the classic time-only Calatrava made by Patek Philippe from 1932 until 1973. During this production run, numerous technical innovations were made to the movements but the case and dial design basically stayed the same. Literally, the Patek Philippe archives are now a historical record of the ‘who’s who’ of society, wealth and power of the 19th and 20th century and beyond. This discovery of William Patterson (1899-1980) as a former Patek Philippe ref. 96 owner is no surprise. As the airline executive that literally shaped the modern commercial aviation world, it cannot be overstated how important the ‘Mainliner’ is to history. As president of United Airlines from 1934-1963, Patterson shepherded the aviation world into its first golden era, a time of elegance, optimism and luxury. Just like the ref. 96, it was a time of style, form and function.  This ref. 96 is preserved in as-found condition with its original, unrestored dial and case as well as Patterson’s non-Patek 14k American C&B bracelet.

To see the full story about this historical watch please visit Collectability Youtube.

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