Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1993 Reference No: 3970/2 Movement No: 876'509 Case No: 2'887'010 Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 27-70Q, 24 jewels, stamped with the Geneva seal Bracelet/Strap: Platinum Patek Philippe integrated bracelet Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe clasp Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1993 with platinum bracelet and its subsequent sale on July 23, 1993
Catalogue Essay
Reference 3970 is the third installment in the perpetual calendar chronograph line of Patek Philippe timepieces. Among the most typical complications from the brand, this family of watches is the only one which has been constantly in production since 1941 and features some of the most collectible models by the brand: reference 1518, 2499, the present 3970, 5970 and the current 5270.
Reference 3970 was introduced in the late 1980s with a snap on back and soon upgraded to screw back for improved waterproofness. It was made in the 3 gold colors and - in more limited quantities - in platinum. It was usually supplied with a leather strap, although some rare examples such as this one feature an integrated bracelet. In fact, the present watch is only the second example in this configuration to appear at auction.
Since 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.