24
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3970E
A fine and rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases
- Estimate
- CHF50,000 - 70,000€46,300 - 64,800$49,500 - 69,400
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1990
- Reference No
- 3970E
- Movement No
- 875'575
- Case No
- 2'860'468
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. CH 27-70Q, 24 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 36mm. Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1990 and its subsequent sale on May 31st, 1990.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The Patek Philippe reference 3970 is a worthy heir to the iconic lineage of Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronographs, which started in 1941 with reference 1518.
Launched in 1986 and in production until 2004, reference 3970 replaced reference 2499. Both models shared certain features such as pump pushers and down turned stepped lugs. However, reference 3970 presented certain details, enabling it to proudly step into contemporary horology. It replaced the Valjoux movement of its predecessors with a heavily modified Lemania 2310 ébauche dubbed CH 27-70Q. Furthermore, two new indications were added to ref 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 two screwed case backs: sapphire and solid.
The present lot, part of the second series of which only 64 are known, is preserved in overall excellent condition and will appeal to the collector looking for a timepiece representing Patek Philippe’s unparalleled history in the field of perpetual calendar chronographs.
Launched in 1986 and in production until 2004, reference 3970 replaced reference 2499. Both models shared certain features such as pump pushers and down turned stepped lugs. However, reference 3970 presented certain details, enabling it to proudly step into contemporary horology. It replaced the Valjoux movement of its predecessors with a heavily modified Lemania 2310 ébauche dubbed CH 27-70Q. Furthermore, two new indications were added to ref 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 two screwed case backs: sapphire and solid.
The present lot, part of the second series of which only 64 are known, is preserved in overall excellent condition and will appeal to the collector looking for a timepiece representing Patek Philippe’s unparalleled history in the field of perpetual calendar chronographs.
Literature
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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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