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

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1991
    Reference No: 3974J
    Movement No: 1’906’041
    Case No: 2’900’782
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. R 27 Q, 39 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 additional solid case back, setting pin, leather folio, outer packaging and fitted presentation box. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of production in 1991 and its subsequent date of sale on 16th July 1993.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Minute repeating timepieces have long been an important asset to horology since its introduction in the 18th century. Mastering the intricate craft, Patek Philippe has been making some of the most impressive minute repeating timepieces. In 1989, Patek Philippe celebrated their 150th anniversary by launching a series of limited edition timepieces as well as important complicated timepieces such as the calibre 89 Ultra-Complication pocket watch and the minute repeating perpetual calendar ref. 3974.

    Dubbed by many collectors as one of the most important complicated timepieces serially released by Patek Philippe, the ref. 3974 was very limited produced with a production spanning over 13 years. It is estimated that only 120 examples of the reference were produced across all case materials with most examples in yellow gold. Furthermore, the reference bears something collectors are extremely fond of, “JPH” inscription on the case indicating that early examples of the reference featured cases made by the revered Mr. Jean-Pierre Hagmann. Regarded by many as one of the legendary master casemakers in recent times, Patek Philippe would often request for Mr. Hagmann to execute complex cases, often for a minute repeating wristwatch.

    The ref. 3974 is a true gem by Patek Philippe, even more so when it combines two important complications that are both mastered by the firm. With a marriage of the perfect minute repeating mechanism, perpetual calendar and further executed by Mr. Jean-Pierre Hagmann, the present example in yellow gold from 1991 is presented in attractive and excellent overall condition with all four hallmarks stamped behind the lugs intact. With only an estimated less than 30 examples in yellow gold to have appeared in the market, the present is fresh to the public market and is further accompanied by its original additional case back and a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece in 1991 and its subsequent date of sale on the 16th July 1993. This is truly a rare opportunity for esteemed collectors of fine timepieces to acquire one of the most important modern Patek Philippe references.

  • 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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Σ981

Ref. 3974J
A very impressive, attractive and rare yellow gold minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, 24-hour, leap year indication, additional solid caseback and presentation box

Circa 1991
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$1,940,000 - 2,320,000 
€209,000-250,000
$249,000-297,000

Sold for HK$2,646,000

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