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Patek Philippe

Ref. 3970E

A rare and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with certificate of origin, additional case back and setting pin

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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. Patek Philippe replaced the Valjoux movement with a heavily modified Lemania 2310 ébauche dubbed CH 27-70Q. Furthermore, two new indications were added to reference 3970, a leap year indication and a 24 hour hand.

The reference was divided into three series: the first series featured a snap on caseback, with applied gold baton indexes and feuille hands. The second series featured a screw-down, solid caseback, with the hallmarks stamped on the outside of the lugs. The third series featured a sapphire display back along with a screw-down solid caseback.

This yellow gold third series example is preserved in excellent condition. The letter E in 3970E represents "étanche" or "water-resistant". The additional case back is furthermore engraved with the reference number and the case number. As another added layer of collectibility, the present watch is also accompanied by its original certificate and product literature.

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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