860Σ︎
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3970EJ, Second Series
A very fine and highly rare yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with German calendar, moon phases, leap year, 24-hour indication, duplicate Certificate of Origin, setting pin and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
- Well-preserved and early 2nd series yellow gold example
- The 31st example of the 2nd series made
- Attractive patina found on the case and on the dial
- German calendar matching the duplicate Certificate of Origin
The 2nd series, produced between 1987 and 1990, shows some slight overlap with the first series. It shares the elegant feuille hands and baton markers on the dial, but the two-tone finish found in the first series is no longer present. This version features a solid screw-back case marked “E – Etanche,” which enhances the waterproof properties seen in all subsequent series. It was produced in all four case materials, with approximately 650 examples of the 2nd series made across all metals, of which 150 to 200 are reference 3971.
The present 2nd series example has an early movement number 875’130, as production for this reference began at 875’000. This watch is the 131st example produced; considering there are 100 first series examples, it ranks as the 31st of the 2nd series. Housed in classic yellow gold, it bears an early hallmark placement, with two crisp hallmarks stamped directly on the solid caseback instead of behind the lugs or on the side.
The condition of this timepiece is excellent, showcasing a rare trait not commonly found in other 3970 examples. The silvered dial has aged uniformly to a creamy hue, harmonizing beautifully with the yellow gold case and enhancing its unique appeal. A thin layer of attractive patina is also present on the caseband and bezel, indicating that the watch has likely been stored safely for an extended period.
The watch comes with a duplicate Certificate of Origin, indicating it was sold by an Austrian jeweler, which explains the German calendar disc used in this example. The Extract from the Archives also further confirms the date code on the duplicate certificate.
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.