In 1989, Patek Philippe celebrated their 150th anniversary by launching one of the world’s most complicated wristwatch at the time, the reference 3974. This historical timepiece is the maison’s first serially produced automatic self-winding wristwatch with two of the most cherished complications amongst collectors, a minute repeater and a perpetual calendar housed into one. The only predecessors known are the ref. 541 made in 1939 and ref. 3621 in 1988, both one-of-a-kind pieces made specially for Mr. Philippe Stern himself.

The movement beating in the heart of this masterpiece is Patek Philippe’s caliber R27Q, an impressively thin movement measuring just 6.8mm, comprised of 467 components. Starting from the very first example in yellow gold with the movement number 1’906’000, one of which that has a permanent place in the Patek Philippe Museum, the present lot baring the number 1’906’087 is the 88th model to be produced.

It is cased in the equally stunning creation by the legendary casemaker of the 20th century, Jean-Pierre Hagmann. Originally trained as a jeweller and renown in producing watch cases notably minute repeater cases for Patek Philippe, works of Mr. Hagmann is the indicator of top-tier case quality. Today, the "JHP" seal speaks volumes and have become fabled among collectors.

Extremely limited and discontinued in 2000 to make way for the technological advancement of the firm, ref. 5016 with an additional tourbillon escapement and retrograde calendar. The ref. 3974 had a production timeline of 13 years, only an estimated 120 examples were ever made, in fact only an approximate of 20 pieces were cased in pink gold according to scholars.

It is believed that only 5 examples in 18K pink gold are publicly known to the market.

Movement No. Sold in Auction Dial Configuration
1’906’076 April 12th 2003 Anthracite dial with Breguet numerals
1’906’078 June 25th 2010 Silvered Gold dial with baton indexes
1’906’086 March 15th 2006 Silvered Gold dial with baton indexes
1’906’087 November 29th 2007 Silvered Gold dial with baton indexes
1’906’091 March 28th 2007 Silvered Gold dial with baton indexes

Previously sold in Hong Kong in 2007, perfect and in unspoiled condition after 13 years, Phillips is honoured to offer the present pink gold variant to collectors. With all four hallmarks stamped still present behind the lugs, and accompanied with its original Certificate of origin, additional sealed solid caseback and complete accessories. It is assuredly an extraordinary opportunity for any watch connoisseur.