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867Σ

Patek Philippe

Ref. 3971E

A fine and very rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, 24 hours, leap year indicator, transparent sapphire case back, original certificate, setting pin and presentation box

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Introduced in 1986 together with its sister model reference 3970, the reference 3971 represents a rare chance to see the handiwork of Patek Philippe, through the transparent caseback, having succeeded the legendary reference 2499 that features a solid case back. Initially offered with a snap on back, it was later revised to a screw down version to improve water resistance, such as the example offered here. Preserved in excellent overall condition, the case has clearly visible hallmarks on 3 lugs and the rarely seen Patek Philippe case marker stamp - number 28 in the key Poincon de Maitre - punched on the lower left lug.

The left side of the case has developed a highly attractive patina which shows the level of preservation for this particular example. The dial is also in immaculate condition and features the feuille hands and rectangular markers from the earlier series of the reference 3970. With less than 300 pieces made of the reference 3971E, the reference is even more of a collectors item when accompanied by the original certificate, presentation box, and fresh to the auction market, such as the watch offered here.

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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