69
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3970EP-021
A rare, elegant and well-preserved platinum perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with leap year indicator, certificate of origin and presentation box
- Estimate
- CHF70,000 - 140,000€71,600 - 143,000$76,500 - 153,000
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 2005
- Reference No
- 3970EP-021
- Movement No
- 3'046'770
- Case No
- 4'197'834
- Material
- Platinum
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. CH 27-70 Q, 24 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Platinum Patek Philippe deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 36mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and deployant signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated January 2005, leather wallet, setting pin, product literature, Patek Philippe fitted box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
While upholding the distinctive aesthetics reminiscent of both the reference 1518 and 2499, the reference 3970 introduced notable enhancements, including a leap year and 24-hour indication for the first time. Available in yellow gold, pink gold, white gold, and platinum, like the present example, the reference went through a total of four series during its impressive production span of over 19 years, concluding in 2004. It is estimated that more than 4,000 examples of the reference 3970 were crafted throughout its production tenure.
Manufactured in 2005, the present reference 3970E is part of the 4th series with a seven-digit movement and case number, baton hands and lapidated indexes. Preserved in excellent overall condition it is further accompanied by its full set of accessories.
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.