Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV Hong Kong Friday, May 27, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1988
    Reference No: 3970E
    Movement No: 875’252
    Case No: 2’846’607
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. CH 27-70 Q, 24 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated 4th January 1992, instruction manual, product literature, setting pin, leather folio, outer packaging and fitted presentation box. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its subsequent date of manufacture in 1988 and its date of sale on 14th December 1988.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1986, the Patek Philippe ref. 3970 replaced arguably the most admired perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches of all time, ref. 2499. As pioneers of the perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, Patek Philippe introduced the world’s very first, referenced 1518 in the early 1940’s. Marking an important era and milestone for the firm, perpetual calendar chronograph timepieces manufactured by Patek Philippe are the utmost importance and highly executed to perfection. Upgraded from its previous Valjoux based calibre, Patek Philippe introduced an entirely new Lemania based calibre CH 27-70 Q with two new features added, a leap year indicator and a 24-Hour hand.

    The reference was produced for a total of 19 years and seized in 2004. During its production span, 4 series were produced alongside its rare sapphire cased counterpart ref. 3971. Examples from the 1st series featured a solid snap-on case back, 2nd series examples displayed baton indexes with Feuille hands with a waterproof screw down case back and referenced with an additional “E” which stands for “Etanche” meaning “waterproof”. It is believed that 400 examples in total were encased in yellow gold from the 2nd series. Examples from the 3rd series featured a merge between the ref. 3970 & 3971 offered with two case backs: sapphire and solid. The 4th series bears the same features as the 3rd series however with a deployant clasp instead of the traditionally used pin buckle.

    The present example from the 2nd series manufactured in 1988 is confirmed by its baton indexes, Feuille hands, its movement number and case number matching the period. Furthermore, it features a solid screw-down case back with two hallmarks stamped and another two hallmarks stamped to the outside of the top left lug and bottom right lug.

  • 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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Σ1029

Ref. 3970E
A fine and rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, leap year and 24-hour indication, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

1988
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$470,000 - 940,000 
€59,900-120,000
$60,300-121,000

Sold for HK$1,008,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia 
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIV

Hong Kong Auction 27 - 28 May 2022