100Σ︎
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3970
“First Series”
An extremely well-preserved, important and very rare yellow gold first series perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with two-tone dial, German calendar, moon phases, leap year and 24-hour indication, extract from the archives, and presentation box
Full-Cataloguing
• Highly coveted first-series example with snap-back case, one of approximately 100 made
• Attractive two-tone silver opaline dial manufactured by Stern Frères
• Rare German calendar configuration
• Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives
The present yellow gold example belongs to the highly coveted first series of 3970 and represents an exceptionally early and collectible example from 1987, among the first hundred pieces produced. Produced for approximately two years, this initial iteration was soon replaced by the reference 3970E, featuring a screw-down caseback (the suffix “E” denoting étanche, or waterproof), which remained in production until 2004.
The case of the present watch, bearing casemaker key number 28 inside the caseback, was manufactured by Ateliers Réunis. Characteristic of the first series, it features a snap-on caseback, feuille hands, and applied rectangular indexes. The attractive silvered dial, with subtly darker subsidiary registers, is further distinguished by its German calendar—an uncommon configuration, as fewer examples were produced for the German market compared to their English and French counterparts.
According to research, approximately 100 examples of the snap-back reference 3970 were produced, making such early pieces significantly rarer and less frequently encountered than the later 3970E series, which saw increased production following the model’s commercial success.
Preserved in superb overall condition, the dial remains crisp and stunning, while the case retains strong proportions with sharply defined stepped lugs and clearly legible hallmarks. The watch is accompanied by its original presentation box, as well as an Extract from the Archives confirming its production in 1987 and its sale on October 23rd of that same year.
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.