US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
14
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3971
An extremely sought-after, early and scarce yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moonphases, 24-hour indication, leap year indication, glazed back, large hallmarks to the side of the lugs and Certificate and box
- Estimate
- CHF100,000 - 200,000€108,000 - 216,000$126,000 - 251,000
CHF317,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 1990
- Reference No
- 3971
- Movement No
- 875'585
- Case No
- 2'856'573
- Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. CH 27-70 Q, 24 jewels, stamped with the Geneva Seal
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
- Dimensions
- 36mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin code-dated July 1990, numbered envelope, Garrard and Patek Philippe document holder with various product literature (including Patek Philippe price list of 1990 in GBP), wooden box and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
This Ref 3971 is offered in remarkable condition with a very strong case sporting wonderfully preserved grooves to the lugs, unmolested hallmarks and sharp bezel. The dial follows suit, showcasing a perfect surface without marks, scratches or oxidation. Completing the package, the watch offers and incredibly complete accessory set, including beyond the obvious box and Certificate, also the original Patek Philippe numbered envelope and a Garrard / Patek (betraying it was sold by the English retailer) document holder with even the UK Patek Philippe price list of the time.
Patek Philippe is widely regarded as the pioneer in the field of perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches, having been the first manufacturer in the world to introduce this groundbreaking complication with the legendary reference 1518 in the late 1940s. A few years later, the firm followed up with the iconic reference 2499, a model that collectors have since dubbed “the perfect wristwatch.” In 1986, Patek Philippe retired the reference 2499 and introduced its successor, the reference 3970. This new reference retained much of the aesthetic charm of its predecessor but featured a significant technical update: the movement was now based on a Lemania ébauche, replacing the Valjoux-based caliber of earlier models. The reference 3970 also introduced a slightly smaller case diameter of 36mm, offering a more contemporary and wearable size. Produced over a span of 20 years, the reference was divided into three distinct series, each with subtle yet meaningful updates.
First series (1986 – 1988) – Features a solid snap back case for ref. 3970 and snap on sapphire caseback for ref. 3971, feuille hands and rectangular indexes. Only produced in yellow gold with an estimated 100 examples produced.
Second series (1987 – 1990) – Features a solid screw back case “E – Etanche”, feuille hands and baton indexes. Hallmarks on the side of the lugs. Produced in all four case materials with an estimated 650 examples produced across all metals. Ref 3971 contunued up to the second series (the present example)
Third series (1989 – 1995) – Features a solid screw back case “E – Etanche” and an additional sapphire caseback, baton hands and lapidated indexes. Estimated 1,350 examples produced across all metals.
Patek Philippe is widely regarded as the pioneer in the field of perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches, having been the first manufacturer in the world to introduce this groundbreaking complication with the legendary reference 1518 in the late 1940s. A few years later, the firm followed up with the iconic reference 2499, a model that collectors have since dubbed “the perfect wristwatch.” In 1986, Patek Philippe retired the reference 2499 and introduced its successor, the reference 3970. This new reference retained much of the aesthetic charm of its predecessor but featured a significant technical update: the movement was now based on a Lemania ébauche, replacing the Valjoux-based caliber of earlier models. The reference 3970 also introduced a slightly smaller case diameter of 36mm, offering a more contemporary and wearable size. Produced over a span of 20 years, the reference was divided into three distinct series, each with subtle yet meaningful updates.
First series (1986 – 1988) – Features a solid snap back case for ref. 3970 and snap on sapphire caseback for ref. 3971, feuille hands and rectangular indexes. Only produced in yellow gold with an estimated 100 examples produced.
Second series (1987 – 1990) – Features a solid screw back case “E – Etanche”, feuille hands and baton indexes. Hallmarks on the side of the lugs. Produced in all four case materials with an estimated 650 examples produced across all metals. Ref 3971 contunued up to the second series (the present example)
Third series (1989 – 1995) – Features a solid screw back case “E – Etanche” and an additional sapphire caseback, baton hands and lapidated indexes. Estimated 1,350 examples produced across all metals.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since 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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