From an important piece of Rolex history to one from perfect replica Patek Philippe. Most already know the Ref. 96 Calatrava as the first Calatrava and the first serially produced watch from Patek. It’s even known as “the watch that saved 1:1 fake Patek Philippe UK,” if we want to get dramatic about it.
The 96 was produced for almost 40 years, but the first series is distinguishable because they used a tiny LeCoultre ebauche that Patek Philippe replica for sale had initially ordered for pendant watches. Because of the Great Depression, some of these movements sat unused for years until Patek fit them in their first Calatrava.
This perfect fake Patek Philippe UK was sold in 1936 and uses one of those JLC movements. Even better, it’s in steel and has its beautiful, original sector dial. It’s about as attractive and rare as it gets for a 96. Like the Zerograph, it comes from the family of the original owner and is about as small as one of Stallone’s fingernails.
This 96 has an estimate of $30,000–50,000, but also, like the Zerograph, it’s hard to predict where it might end up. It’s important, rare, and beautiful. But it’s also small, niche, super old, a little beat up, but original. In other words, everything I love in a vintage watch.
Speaking of, there’s one more small copy watches online uk with provenance to mention: a tiny square Cartier with beautiful enamel inlay on the case that was given to American General John Pershing, consigned directly from the Pershing family. There’s this urban legend that General Pershing received the first-ever aaa quality replica Cartier Tank directly from Louis Cartier in 1918, but there seems to be little evidence that was actually true. So here it is: The Pershing Cartier (est. $20–50,000).