Purchased by the present owner at Christie’s Geneva auction in 2011, at which time it was being offered by the original owner who purchased the watch in 1996, the watch remains preserved in very good original overall condition complete with all accessories as it was delivered when new.
Reference 3970 was in production from 1986 until 2004 when it was replaced by reference 5970 (see Lot 2336 in this auction for an example in platinum). The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305.
> Some watches are pictured with straps made of endangered or protected animal materials such as alligator or crocodile. These endangered species straps are shown for display purposes only and are not for sale. Christie’s will remove and retain the strap prior to shipment from the sale site. At some sale sites, Christie’s may, at its discretion, make the displayed endangered species strap available to the buyer of the lot free of charge if collected in person from the sale site within 1 year of the date of the sale. Please check with the department for details on a particular lot.
> Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory, tortoiseshell and crocodile. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.
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