Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI Hong Kong Saturday, November 28, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 2000
    Reference No: 3970ER-016
    Movement No: 3’045’872
    Case No: 4’010’808
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. CH 27-70 Q, 24 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated 24th May 2000 stamped Schullin (Wien), instruction manual, product literature, setting pin, leather folio, slip case, travel pouch, outer packaging and fitted presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Regarded as pioneers in the field of perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches, Patek Philippe was indeed the very first manufacturer in the world to release a wristwatch with a perpetual calendar and a chronograph via the legendary ref. 1518 in the late 1940s. A few years later the firm would launch another famed ref. 2499 that would be dubbed by collectors as “the perfect wristwatch” garnering a “cult-like” following.

    In 1986, Patek Philippe discontinued the ref. 2499 and replaced it with the ref. 3970, featuring a Lemania based caliber instead of its previous Valjoux based caliber. Although much of its aesthetics resembles its previous ref. 2499, the new featured a smaller case diameter at 36mm. The reference was produced in three series across a production span of 20 years.

    First series – Snap back case.

    Second series – Solid caseback and was produced concurrently with the ref. 3971 with a snap sapphire caseback.

    Third series – Accompanied by an “E” for étanche, meaning waterproof. Both sapphire screw down caseback and a solid screw down caseback.

    The present example Patek Philippe ref. 3970ER-016 from circa 2000 belongs to the last series. Offered in attractive overall condition and accompanied by the Certificate of Origin, this present example is a fantastic opportunity to acquire an attractive and undervalued timepiece manufactured by none other than the pioneers, Patek Philippe.

  • 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

Σ980

Ref. 3970ER-016
A fine and attractive pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, 24-hour, leap year indication, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

Circa 2000
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$380,000 - 600,000 
€41,000-64,700
$48,700-76,900

Sold for HK$756,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XI

Hong Kong Auction 29 November 2020