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1019Σ

Patek Philippe

Ref. 3970R-014, Fourth Series

A very fine and rare pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, 24-hour, leap year indication, additional solid caseback, setting pin and Certificate of Origin

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Introduced in 1986, the ref. 3970 succeeded the long‑lived ref. 2499, inaugurating a new chapter in Patek Philippe’s perpetual calendar chronograph lineage. The model was powered by the upgraded Lemania‑based cal. CH 27‑70 Q, replacing the Valjoux‑derived movement of its predecessor. While maintaining the family’s timeless aesthetic, the ref. 3970 introduced a more contemporary profile, reduced to 36mm in diameter. Produced for nearly two decades across four series and in all four precious metals—yellow, pink, and white gold as well as platinum—an estimated 4,000 examples were made in total.

First series (1986 – 1988) – Features a snap back case, feuille hands and rectangular indexes. Only produced in yellow gold with an estimated 100 examples produced.

Second series (1987 – 1990) – Features a solid screw back case “E – Etanche”, feuille hands, hallmarks on the side on the lugs and rectangular indexes. Produced in all four case materials with an estimated 450 examples produced across all metals.

Third series (1989 – 1995) – Features a solid screw back case “E – Etanche” with an extra sapphire caseback, baton hands and lapidated indexes. Estimated 1,350 examples produced across all metals.

Fourth series (1994 – 2004) – Same configuration as the third series. From 1997 onwards it features deployant clasps. Estimated 2,000 examples produced across all four metals. (The present example)

The present watch, a ref. 3970R‑014 in pink gold, belongs to the fourth series and carries a movement in the 3’046’XXX range, placing it among the final examples produced before the model’s discontinuation. It is preserved in highly attractive condition, with hallmarks visible still visible on all four lugs. Accompanied by its Certificate of Origin, additional solid caseback and setting pin—this fourth series ref. 3970 in elegant pink gold stands as a superb representative of one of Patek Philippe’s most revered modern grand complications, and will certainly appeal to the discerning collector seeking a timeless perpetual calendar chronograph.

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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