Regarded as pioneers in the field of perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches, Patek Philippe was indeed the very first manufacturer in the world to release a wristwatch with a perpetual calendar and a chronograph via the legendary ref. 1518 in the late 1940s. A few years later the firm would launch another famed ref. 2499 that would be dubbed by collectors as “the perfect wristwatch” garnering a “cult-like” following.

In 1986, Patek Philippe discontinued the ref. 2499 and replaced it with the ref. 3970, featuring a Lemania based caliber instead of its previous Valjoux based caliber. Although much of its aesthetics resembles its previous ref. 2499, the new featured a smaller case diameter at 36mm. The reference was produced in three series across a production span of 20 years.

First series – Snap back case.

Second series – Solid caseback and was produced concurrently with the ref. 3971 with a snap sapphire caseback.

Third series – Accompanied by an “E” for étanche, meaning waterproof. Both sapphire screw down caseback and a solid screw down caseback.

The present example Patek Philippe ref. 3970ER-016 from circa 2000 belongs to the last series. Offered in attractive overall condition and accompanied by the Certificate of Origin, this present example is a fantastic opportunity to acquire an attractive and undervalued timepiece manufactured by none other than the pioneers, Patek Philippe.