Patek Philippe. A very fine 18K gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, 24 hour and leap year indication, duplicate Certificate of Origin, setting pin and box

This endangered species strap is shown for display purposes only and is not for sale. The watch will be supplied with a calf leather strap.

Consigned by the original owner, the present reference 3970 is a highly attractive example of this increasingly sought after model.

The desirability of this watch is further enhanced by its excellent condition, private provenance and freshness to the market.

Reference 3970
In 1986, Patek Philippe launched a new generation of the perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, designated reference 3970, replacing the hugely successful reference 2499. 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 were 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.

Reference 3970 was discontinued in 2004 and replaced by reference 5970.

While production of the reference 3970/3971 may have ended only fifteen 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, Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp. 305–308, reference 3971 in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. II, p. 307.