Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 2014
    Reference No: 3970P
    Movement No: 3'932'284
    Case No: 4'279'365
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. CH 27-70 Q, 24 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe folding clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated August 19, 2014, additional numbered case back, sales tag, setting pin, product literature, portfolio photograph of the present watch and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The first of its kind to ever appear at auction, the present watch is not only cased in platinum but also features a beautiful black dial adorned with a Breguet numeral at 12 o'clock and additional tachymeter scale, which is confirmed by the Certificate of Origin. These "special order" 3970s were produced after the reference officially ceased production.

    Such watches were only granted to Patek Philippe's most trusted and exclusive clientele. To date, this watch is the only known platinum reference 3970 with the present dial configuration to appear in the public sphere. Fresh to the auction market, it is furthermore offered in excellent condition, and has been worn a few times only. It is accompanied by its original accessories including the Certificate of Origin, setting pin, additional numbered caseback and portfolio photograph.

    Launched in 1986 and in production until approximately 2004, reference 3970 replaced reference 2499. Both models share certain features such as pump pushers and downturned fluted lugs. Reference 3970 replaced the Valjoux movement of its predecessors with a heavily modified Lemania 2310 ébauche called CH 27-70Q. Furthermore, two new indications were added to reference 3970: a leap year indication and a 24 hour hand.

    Reference 3970 underwent three significant transformations. While the first series featured a snap-on caseback, the second series displayed baton markers, feuille hands and a screw back. It was produced concurrently with reference 3971 which had a snap-on sapphire back. Finally the third series merged references 3970 and 3971 and offered both sapphire and solid screw-down case backs. This example is offered with both its sapphire case back and solid numbered platinum case back.

  • 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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Ref. 3970P
A highly rare and probably unique platinum perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases, black dial, Breguet numeral at 12 o'clock, tachymeter scale, original certificate, additional caseback and fitted presentation box

2014
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF200,000 - 400,000 
€171,000-343,000
$212,000-423,000

Sold for CHF348,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018