Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1990
    Reference No: 3971E
    Movement No: 875’670
    Case No: 2’860’526
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. CH 27-70Q, 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 stamped Magasin Patek Philippe S.A dated 20th November 1990, instruction manual, product literature, setting pin, leather folio, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1990 and its subsequent date of sale on 20th November 1990.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1986, Patek Philippe introduced reference 3970 alongside the rarer reference 3971. The 3971 carried very similar features as the 3970, though with a sapphire case back whereas the early 3970’s were fitted with a solid case back. The reference 3970 was the firm’s signature flagship model which was discontinued in 2004 and replaced by the last reference to be fitted with a Lemania based ébauche. The ref 3971 from 1986 until 1988 was first offered with a snap-on back, also known as the first series with approximately only 100 pieces made. Similar to the present example, the second series began production from 1987 until 1990, known as the ref. 3971E (E for "étanche" or "water-resistant") and was equipped with a screw-down case back with only 170 pieces made according to research.

    The present example in yellow gold fitted with an attractive silvered dial with English day and date indication is preserved in an absolutely delightful condition. Boasting a strong case with defined stepped lugs, the hallmarks on all four lugs remains perfectly intact including the Patek Philippe case maker stamp—number 28 key for Atelier Réunis. Extremely elegant, the yellow gold case has also developed a warm patina and an immaculate dial featuring feuille hands and rectangular markers from the earlier series. Furthermore, the present lot is accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin and accessories, as well as the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the timepiece from 1990. Highly sought after and equally collectable, this present example is not one to miss for perpetual calendar chronograph connoisseurs.

  • 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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Σ1071

Ref. 3971E
A very rare, fine and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, 24-hour indication, leap year indication, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

1990
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$400,000 - 600,000 
€44,400-66,600
$51,300-76,900

Sold for HK$1,197,000

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021