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74
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3970ER
A superb, important and extremely in-demand pink gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with 24-hour indication, leap year indication, moonphases, Certificate, additional caseback and box
- Estimate
- CHF80,000 - 160,000€86,300 - 173,000$100,000 - 201,000
CHF165,100
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- 2004
- Reference No
- 3970ER
- Movement No
- 3'047'178
- Case No
- 4'225'358
- Material
- 18k pink gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. Ch 27-70 Q, 24 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k pink gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 36mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped by Geneva retailer "Gübelin" and dated September 2004, additional solid caseback, setting pin, product literature, period Patek Philippe complicated models catalogue booklet, presentation box and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The present 4th series pink gold example of landmark reference 3970 is offered not only complete of its original papers (which disclose it was originally sold by Gubelin), but is also in exceptionally well-preserved condition, with a virtually flawless dial and a likely unpolished case. Intellectually, it is distinguished by being one of the very last 3970 produced, as its Certificate is dated September 2004: by then the model was in fact out of the official catalogue, replaced by its descendant ref. 5970.
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. (The present example)
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.
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.
Fourth series (1994 – 2004) – Same configuration as the third series however there is a change in serial number ranges in the movement and case and from 1997 onwards it features deployant clasp. Estimated 2,000 examples produced across all four 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. (The present example)
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.
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.
Fourth series (1994 – 2004) – Same configuration as the third series however there is a change in serial number ranges in the movement and case and from 1997 onwards it features deployant clasp. Estimated 2,000 examples produced across all four 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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