Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE Hong Kong Monday, November 27, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1998
    Reference No: 3970EJ
    Movement No: 3'045'793
    Case No: 4'010'701
    Material: 18kyellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. CH 27-70 Q., 24 jewels, stamped with the Geneva Seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Brown Patek Philippe crocodile strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, additional solid case back, setting pin and product literature. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract form the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1998 with silvered dial, yellow gold indexes, English version and its subsequent sale on July 3, 1998.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Reference 3970 is the third iteration of the most iconic line of wristwatches made by Patek Philippe: the perpetual calendar chronographs with moon phases. Indeed, this set of complications can be considered the true custodian of the Patek Philippe DNA. After all, the first representative is reference 1518 - the first such wristwatch made in series by any manufacturer - followed by the 2499 - also an icon of watch collecting - and eventually the 3970.

    Launched in 1987 and discontinued in the early 2000s, it was the first time Patek Philippe housing a movement in a waterproof, screw-back case. Another noteworthy modification is the slight reduction of the diameter, compared to reference 2499, in order to better suit the '90s taste. The result is a very compact, masculine and elegant timepiece.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Σ937

Ref. 3970EJ
A rare and very fine gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases and certificate

1998
36mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$560,000 - 1,120,000 
€60,900-122,000
$70,000-140,000

Contact Specialist
Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
yong.ho@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: FIVE

Hong Kong Auction 28 November 2017