Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO Hong Kong Monday, May 30, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1998
    Reference No: 3970
    Movement No: 3'045'767
    Case No: 4'025'552
    Material: Platinum and diamonds
    Calibre: Mechanical, CH 27-70 Q, 24 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Black Patek Philippe crocodile leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36.5 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated 3 January 2000, additional case back, setting pin, product literature, sales tag, leather wallet, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black dial and diamond-set numerals in 1998 and its subsequent sale on 11 June 1998.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First introduced in 1986, reference 3970 enjoyed a production run until 2004, when the reference was discontinued. During its reign, the 3970 underwent three major transformations. Watches from the first generation of 3970 were fitted with a snap solid back. However, clients soon wanted to see the movement in action, so Patek Philippe created a version with a sapphire crystal case back, named 3971. Patek Philippe finally created the third generation, 3970E, where étanche meant waterproof.

    The present example, 3970E, presented as a full set with original certificate, additional case back, setting pin, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging, is among the later examples manufactured by Patek Philippe. The watch is fresh to the market, furthermore fitted with a rare and attractive diamond-set black dial. The watch is in extremely well preserved condition with sharp hallmarks to the side of the lugs. The lugs themselves with very good proportions and very good fluting, overall an exceptional example.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.

    Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.

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Property From an International Collector

Σ157

Ref. 3970
A fine and rare platinum and diamond-set perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, 24 hours, leap year indicator, additional case back, original certificate and fitted presentation box

1998
36.5 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$650,000 - 850,000 

Sold for HK$762,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: TWO

Hong Kong Auction 31 May 2016