Patek Philippe Calatrava 3796G

This is the Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 3796G. Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe has always been at the apex of high horology. A company that has always been privately owned, Patek has been manufacturing watches for almost two centuries without interruption. The company is currently owned by the Stern family, whose heritage dates to when they were supplying dials to Patek in the 1920s. Incidentally, the Calatrava was also the first model released by the Stern family as the staple time-only watch in the brand’s collection.

To understand the Calatrava, one must revisit the roots of the model with the reference 96. The first Calatrava was also the debut of the brand’s first in-house caliber, the cal. 920. Produced over a 40-year span, the 96 would set the foundations of all future Calatravas. Dimunitive, minimalist and dressy, these characteristics would go on to define the future references within the line as the brand’s flagship dress piece. The reference 570 was released during the same period as the 96 with a larger case size, though the smaller case size was more favourable during that period. With the success of the 96, Patek Philippe would go on to further develop the Calatrava, introducing the reference 3796 in 1982.

With its 30.5mm case size, the reference harks back to a time when the original was introduced. Consisting of a classic three-part case accentuated by the tapered lugs, the 3796 is almost identical to its predecessor. Powered by the manual-winding Cal. 215 PS stamped with the Geneva seal, the thinness of the movement allows for a svelte case that underpins dress watches. The Swiss signature at the six is flanked by the Greek symbol of Sigma, indicating that both the hands and hour markers are produced in solid gold. Applying the Bauhausian philosophy of “form follows function”, the Calatrava with its minimalist yet elegant case allows for a timeless aesthetic.

A quintessential representation of the Calatrava in its purest form, the reference is as understated as its aesthetic while occupying a pivotal place in the story of Patek Philippe’s Calatrava. While diminutive in size for modern standards, the 3796 should not be overlooked as it is no hyperbole to say that this is the truest representation of the 96 in a modern context.

This Patek Philippe 3796G is in very good pre-owned condition. The bezel has some hairlines from prior wear without any dings or dents. The caseback has some noticeable hairlines from wear with the hallmarks on the caseback still deep and legible. The dial remains clean with no signs of age. The watch comes accompanied with its original box and certificate of origin that dates the watch back to 1995 and is in full working order.

Brand Patek Philippe

Model Calatrava

Reference 3796

Case 30.5mm

Movement Manual Wind

Case material White Gold

Bracelet material Leather

Year 1995

Condition Very Good

Accessories Original Box and Certificate

Limited No