30Σ
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3970E
A fine and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases
- Estimate
- CHF45,000 - 65,000€39,600 - 57,200$46,100 - 66,600
CHF77,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1989
- Reference No
- 3970E
- Movement No
- 875'324
- Case No
- 2'851'192
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. CH 27-70 Q, 24 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Alligator
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 36mm Diameter
- Signed
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1989 and its subsequent sale on May 27, 1989.
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1989 and its subsequent sale on May 27, 1989.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
It is perhaps the most classic Patek Philippe watch ever made.
Launched in 1986, the reference 3970 was Patek Philippe’s third perpetual calendar chronograph model, and with it came a number of introductions to the line, none more important than its new movement.
Built using the world famous Lemania 2310 as its base, the calibre CH 27-70Q was, as you can imagine, heavily modified to match Patek Philippe’s extremely high standards in terms of precision, reliability and finishing. It also ushered the line into the modern era, with features that proved extremely popular with clients.
Most notably, this was the first Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph to indicate leap years, and the first to add a 24-hour chronograph hand. Another noteworthy modification is the slight reduction of the diameter. Despite it’s more complex mechanism, the reference 3970 represented the first drop in size in the perpetual calendar chronograph family, from 37.5mm down to 36mm.
Such was the success of the reference 3970 that Patek Philippe kept it in production for almost twenty years, making several series in yellow, pink, white gold and in platinum. During that time, the model established itself as one of the greatest perpetual calendars ever built.
The baton markers, feuille hands and a screw-back identify this particular model as belonging to the second series reference 3970. This example is in good condition with strong fluting to the lugs, and hallmarks on the side of the lugs - a characteristic that is highly sought-after and associated with second series examples.
Launched in 1986, the reference 3970 was Patek Philippe’s third perpetual calendar chronograph model, and with it came a number of introductions to the line, none more important than its new movement.
Built using the world famous Lemania 2310 as its base, the calibre CH 27-70Q was, as you can imagine, heavily modified to match Patek Philippe’s extremely high standards in terms of precision, reliability and finishing. It also ushered the line into the modern era, with features that proved extremely popular with clients.
Most notably, this was the first Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph to indicate leap years, and the first to add a 24-hour chronograph hand. Another noteworthy modification is the slight reduction of the diameter. Despite it’s more complex mechanism, the reference 3970 represented the first drop in size in the perpetual calendar chronograph family, from 37.5mm down to 36mm.
Such was the success of the reference 3970 that Patek Philippe kept it in production for almost twenty years, making several series in yellow, pink, white gold and in platinum. During that time, the model established itself as one of the greatest perpetual calendars ever built.
The baton markers, feuille hands and a screw-back identify this particular model as belonging to the second series reference 3970. This example is in good condition with strong fluting to the lugs, and hallmarks on the side of the lugs - a characteristic that is highly sought-after and associated with second series examples.
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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