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Lot 141 Lots 141 & 142 – Patek Philippe Ref. 3970
In 1986, Patek Philippe launched a new generation of the perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, designated reference 3970, replacing the hugely successful reference 2499 (see lot 128 in this auction) in production in four different series from 1951 to 1985. The main difference in the movement was the arrival of the new Lemania base ébauche which replaced the Valjoux movement used for the previous 50 years.
Starting with movement number 875'000, the first series of reference 3970 was produced with a solid snap on back, comprising approximately 100 examples. The second series introduced a solid screw back, designated reference 3970E (E for étanche, French for waterproof). A small number of watches from both series were also available with a sapphire crystal back, designated reference 3971E.
In 1989, a third series of ref. 3970 was launched, fitted with a solid screw back as well as an additional sapphire crystal display screw back (see lot 142).
Reference 3970 was discontinued in 2004 and replaced by reference 5970 (see lots 92 - 95 in this auction).
While production of the reference 3970/3971 may have ended only twelve years ago, these modern yet classic perpetual calendar chronographs have become a must-have for the discerning collector of complicated wristwatches.
Reference 3970 and calibre 27-70 Q are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 305 – 308, reference 3971 in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. II, p. 307.
In 1986, Patek Philippe launched a new generation of the perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, designated reference 3970, replacing the hugely successful reference 2499 (see lot 128 in this auction) in production in four different series from 1951 to 1985. The main difference in the movement was the arrival of the new Lemania base ébauche which replaced the Valjoux movement used for the previous 50 years.
Starting with movement number 875'000, the first series of reference 3970 was produced with a solid snap on back, comprising approximately 100 examples. The second series introduced a solid screw back, designated reference 3970E (E for étanche, French for waterproof). A small number of watches from both series were also available with a sapphire crystal back, designated reference 3971E.
In 1989, a third series of ref. 3970 was launched, fitted with a solid screw back as well as an additional sapphire crystal display screw back (see lot 142).
Reference 3970 was discontinued in 2004 and replaced by reference 5970 (see lots 92 - 95 in this auction).
While production of the reference 3970/3971 may have ended only twelve years ago, these modern yet classic perpetual calendar chronographs have become a must-have for the discerning collector of complicated wristwatches.
Reference 3970 and calibre 27-70 Q are illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 305 – 308, reference 3971 in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. II, p. 307.
Patek Philippe. A very fine and rare platinum perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, 24 hour and leap year indication, special order silver “reference 5004” dial with Arabic numerals, original certificate, box, additional original black dial with diamond indexes and further additional black dial with baton indexes
Signed Patek Philippe, Genève, Ref. 3970E, movement no. 876’413, case no. 2'928'253, manufactured in 1993
Closed14 November 2016
Price Realised
CHF 175,000
More Information
Specialist note
This rare example of a reference 3970 in platinum was purchased by the actual owner at Patek Philippe’s prestigious retailer Gübelin in Zurich in 1993. At his special request, the dial was exchanged in the firm’s workshop with the present reference 5004 version with “white” moon phases, a service rendered exclusively to Gübelin’s most important clients.
The use of the silver ref. 5004 dial with Arabic numerals combined with the platinum case material renders the watch a very pleasing monochrome appearance. Naturally, the original black dial with diamond numerals mentioned on the certificate of origin is included together with the original moon phase disc and another black dial with baton numerals which could be fitted as third alternative.
The rarity of the this reference 3970 is further enhanced by its excellent, close to new overall condition, private provenance, freshness to the market and the presence of the original certificate stamped by the distinguished retailer Gübelin.
The use of the silver ref. 5004 dial with Arabic numerals combined with the platinum case material renders the watch a very pleasing monochrome appearance. Naturally, the original black dial with diamond numerals mentioned on the certificate of origin is included together with the original moon phase disc and another black dial with baton numerals which could be fitted as third alternative.
The rarity of the this reference 3970 is further enhanced by its excellent, close to new overall condition, private provenance, freshness to the market and the presence of the original certificate stamped by the distinguished retailer Gübelin.