Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1992
    Reference No: 3970E
    Movement No: 876'062
    Case No: 2'900'874
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. CH27-70 Q, 24 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch in 1992 and its subsequent sale on April 16th, 1992.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1986, Patek Philippe replaced the long-lived ref. 2499 perpetual calendar chronograph with the new ref. 3970, featuring the caliber CH27-70Q, based on a heavily modified Lemania 2310, succeeding the Valjoux-based caliber used in the ref. 2499. While adopting a similar dial layout to its predecessor, the reference 3970 features a smaller case dimension at 36mm diameter. The reference was produced in all four metals including yellow gold, pink gold, white gold and platinum across a total of four series spanning over 19 years. It is estimated that throughout its course of production, over 4,000 examples of the reference were produced.

    The present example in yellow gold is part of the third series and is offered in attractive condition. It is believed that approximately 1,350 examples of third series 3970s across all metals were produced between 1989 and 1995, featuring a solid screw back case. The hallmarks stamped on the sides of the two lugs remain crisp and deep. The present ref. 3970EJ is considered a fantastic value proposition and will certainly impress collectors seeking 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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147

Ref. 3970E
A very fine and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, leap year, and 24-hour indication

1992
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.

Estimate
$50,000 - 100,000 
CHF43,700-87,500
€45,900-91,800
HK$391,000-781,000
S$66,800-134,000

Sold for $82,550

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023