
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Patek Philippe Calatrava Rare Salmon Dial - Archives (Ref. 3796S), 1996
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- 1996
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 30.5 mm
- Stock no.
- Product 8205810106551
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Huntington Company (product 8205810106551)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1996 Patek Philippe Calatrava Rare Salmon Dial - Archives (Ref. 3796S) (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Huntington Company (dealer) (stock number Product 8205810106551), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 1996. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 30.5 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Huntington Company
Worth The Read A Grail 3796 - The reference 3796S is a dream to own. The ultra-rare reference was produced in the late 90s for the Japanese market. The watch is rumored to have been a limited release of 100 pieces, but only a handful were ever actually produced. The 3796SG features a white gold case with a rare factory exhibition caseback. This feature can only be found in this limited release of the 3796. The dial is the best part. A stunning salmon dial that is perfection. The epitome of collectible Patek Philippe has to be this configuration. This specific example is one of the most, if not the most, complete set we have ever seen with a 3796SG. This is a rare opportunity to own an exceptional example of a sought-after Patek Philippe. All About The Reference - The 3796 is the closest you will get to the reference 96. The truest form of the original Calatrava in more modern Patek Philippe specifications. The 3796 was introduced in 1982 and wasn't discontinued till the late 90s. Everything about the 3796 comes from the original 96 except for a few small updates. The 3796 features an updated snap-on case back with a gasket, a sapphire crystal, and an updated caliber 215. The reference even shares an identical case size to the original reference. A 30.5mm case that actually wears large than most Calatravas that have a case size over 31mm. That is thanks to the very long lugs that give it the 30.5 by 39.5mm size. The 3796 might just be the last true Calatrava ever produced by Patek Philippe, and it even had a shorter production span than the original 96 reference. Specifications Reference: 3796S Model: Calatrava Movement: Manual Year: 1996 Contents: Extract from the Archives and a Patek Philippe travel pouch. Case: 30.5mm case with original signed crown. The 3796SG is a very unique example. You have a white gold case with a factory open caseback. Dial: The rare dial has a brushed finish and stunning color. A salmon dial that reflects light in a way that looks different depending on the lighting. The dial's condition is also fantastic. Strap & Buckle: It comes on our handmade strap with the original tang.
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Wristwatches
Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.
After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.
What to look for
- The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
- The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
- Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
- Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.
Dating clues
- Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
- Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
- Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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