Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1993 Reference No: 3970E Movement No: 876'474 Case No: 2'928'284 Material: Platinum and diamonds Calibre: Manual, cal. CH 27-70 Q, 24 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe 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 1993 with semi-glossy black dial, 1 baguette-cut and 10 white gold chaton-set diamond hour markers, and its subsequent sale on June 18, 1993
Catalogue Essay
Launched in 1986 and in production until 2004, reference 3970 was a proud heir of two other Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronographs: references 1518 and 2499 - and is most probably one of the brand’s most iconic watches of the modern era.
The Patek Philippe reference 3970 presents similar aesthetics to its predecessor such as its pump-style pushers and down turned stepped lugs. However, the reference 3970 featured certain upgrades such as the new movement replacing its former Valjoux based caliber now powered by a heavily modified Lemania 2310 based cal. CH 27-70 Q. Additionally, the dial is presented with two additional indications including leap years and an additional 24-hour hand.
The present example, displaying a black dial with diamond indexes, is encased in platinum and assigned the referenced 3970E (“E” – étanche meaning waterproof). It is offered in excellent condition from the family of the original owner and is preserved in excellent condition with sharp hallmarks.
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.