Patek Philippe - TOKI: Watch Auction Hong Kong Friday, November 22, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1986
    Reference No: 3970
    Movement No: 875’004
    Case No: 2’824’111
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. CH 27-70 Q, 24 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    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 dated 31st January 1987, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture in 1986 and its subsequent date of sale on 3rd February 1987.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present yellow gold example hails from the rarest and most desirable first series, and it is an extremely early and collectible example from 1986, being the fifth one made in the first series. The casemaker key number 28 stamped on the inside case back indicates that the yellow gold case was made by Ateliers Réunis. The gorgeous silver dial with the slightly darker sub-dials, sticker protected snap-on caseback, applied gold rectangular indexes and feuille hands further confirm it as a first series example.

    First series (1986 – 1988) – Features a snap back case, feuille hands and rectangular indexes. Only produced in yellow gold with an estimated 100 examples produced, starting with the movement number 875’000 (The present example is the fifth first series example with the movement number 875’004).

    Preserved in superb condition, the satin-brushed silver dial of the present specimen is beautifully preserved, and the case retains its strong stepped lugs stamped with legible hallmarks. It is offered with its certificate and presentation box, and is further delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, confirming its date of manufacture in 1986 and its subsequent date of sale on 3rd February 1987. This tremendously rare and collectible Patek Philippe reference 3970 will surely impress discerned collectors seeking for a timeless and important Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch.

  • 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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87

Ref. 3970
A well-preserved and extremely rare yellow gold first series perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with two-tone dial, moon phases, leap year and 24-hour indication, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

1986
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$1,000,000 - 2,000,000 
€115,000-230,000
$128,000-256,000

Sold for HK$3,238,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com

TOKI: Watch Auction

Hong Kong Auction 22 November