Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • 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.
    Literature: This reference is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1986 and in production until 2004, reference 3970 is the successor of reference 2499. It is one of the most classic perpetual calendar chronograph watches produced by Patek Philippe.

    While both models feature pump pushers and fluted lugs, reference 3970 presented a decidedly more "modern" appearance than its predecessors. Firstly, it replaced the Valjoux movement of reference 2499 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 is a second series example. Today, only 64 examples are known to the market. The watch is preserved in overall excellent 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.

  • Artist Biography

    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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194

Ref. 3970E
A fine and rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases

1990
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 70,000 
€43,200-60,400
$51,700-72,300

Sold for CHF77,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017