1078Σ︎
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3970E, Third Series, retailed by Beyer
A well-preserved and highly collectible platinum perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with semi-glossy black dial, diamond-set indexes, moon phases, 24-hour, leap year indication, additional solid caseback, setting pin, Certificate of Origin and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
- This Third Series example is well-preserved with deep hallmarks on side of lugs
- Certificate of Origin stamped Beyer Chronometrie dated 1994
- In same private collection for 28 years
- With Certificate of Origin, additional solid caseback, setting pin and presentation box
Introduced in 1986, the ref. 3970 succeeded the legendary, long-running ref. 2499, inaugurating a new chapter in Patek Philippe’s lineage of perpetual calendar chronographs. It was powered by the upgraded Lemania-based cal. CH 27‑70 Q, which replaced the Valjoux-derived movement of its predecessor. While preserving the family’s timeless aesthetic, the ref. 3970 adopted a more contemporary presence with a reduced diameter of 36mm. Produced for nearly two decades across four distinct series and in all four precious metals—yellow gold, pink gold, white gold, and platinum—the total production is estimated at approximately 4,000 examples.
The present example, a platinum ref. 3970E from the Third Series, is accompanied by an additional solid caseback. This iteration is notable for its semi-glossy black dial with chaton-set diamond hour markers, adding a luxurious twist to the classic design. The well-preserved hallmarks are stamped on the sides of the lugs, a detail highly valued by collectors of the ref. 3970.
The Certificate of Origin indicates that the present watch was purchased from the Beyer Chronometrie Zürich in 1994. A notable feature of Beyer sold examples are the still visible Beyer number markings underneath the upper left lug. Only approximately 17 examples in platinum with black dial and diamond-set indexes are known from the Third Series. For the discerning collector seeking one of the most desirable iterations of this landmark reference, this ref. 3970E presents an outstanding opportunity.
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.