Patek Philippe’s reference 3974 epitomizes the brand’s technical and design prowess manifested during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The execution of a perpetual calendar minute repeater is the litmus test for greatness in the field of high horology, and Patek Philippe has proven time and time again they are incomparable in this regard.

Created under the guidance of Philippe Stern, this reference was launched in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe’s 150th anniversary. Featuring an ultra-thin, in-house self-winding movement with minute repeater, perpetual calendar, 24-hour indication and moon phases, it was the world’s most complicated wristwatch at the time. The movement beating in the heart of this masterpiece is Patek Philippe’s caliber 27RQ, an impressively thin movement measuring just 6.8mm, comprised of 467 components. Another surprising feature is the micro-rotor, which provides an unobtrusive view into the superbly finished movement. The reference additionally stands-out as the first automatic-winding minute repeating watch ever made.

While the case architecture is derived from the famed reference 2499, particularly the gracefully arched lugs when viewed in profile, there are some marked differences to allow for the slide mechanism and lack of chronograph pushers. Patek Philippe turned to Jean-Pierre Hagmann (whose initials are proudly stamped inside the solid caseback and inner lug), a living legend amongst case makers, to create a case that would not only be a beautiful vessel for the watch but could also act as a superb sound carrier for the repeater’s delicate chimes. These minute repeaters are known to be Monsieur Hagmann’s favorite creations for the brand, and the early examples with his initials are coveted by collectors. He began his career creating watch bracelets at Gay Frères and went on to create watch cases for the most illustrious Swiss brands – even creating the 26 cases for Patek Philippe’s Star Calibre 2000 in six weeks. The chimes in the present timepiece are crystal clear, perfectly timed, loud, and extremely pleasant to the ear - thanks to Patek Philippe’s technical expertise and Hagmann’s savoir faire.

Dating from 1991, this exceptional yellow gold reference 3974 comes with not only its original silvered dial with gold hour markers as specified on the Extract from the Archives, but also an additional champagne, or “doré” dial that enhances its desirability. The reference 3974 is considered by many to be one of the most important Patek Philippe complicated wristwatches of the modern era, and the present example is a rare opportunity for the connoisseur.