15 Patek Philippe Elegant and Iconic, Calatrava Wristwatch, in White-gold With Silver Dial, Reference 3796

Estimate: €6,000 –⁠ 12,000

Model: Calatrava
Reference: 3796
Case Material: White Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 215
Case N°: 2867748
Movement N°: 1818352
Dimensions: 31 mm
Signed: Dial, movement and case

What you are looking at is one of the last examples of the “old-style” wristwatches that Patek Philippe kept within its production until the end of the 20th century. This lot is the unusual reference 3796, the ’80s incarnation of the always appreciated reference 96. The 3796 represents in fact the last model made with the small diameter of 31 mm, the typical size that people used to wear in the first part of the century, and the unmistakable Calatrava style. It was in production from 1982 until 1999 and tried to be as similar as possible to the 96 except for three details: the new sapphire glass instead of the plastic one of the past, the caliber that now is a 215 PS and the case back which is now waterproof and with a small flap for easier opening. It was replaced by references 5196 and 5296 in the late 1990s and it was available in all three gold colors and in platinum, with a variation of dial layouts. The white-gold example available here is in excellent condition featuring a beautiful and very clear silvered dial with applied gold baton indexes, outer pearled minute division, feuille hands and subsidiary seconds at 6. This is the chance to own one of the most classic Patek Philippe designs but with modern details giving the perfect solution.