Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips
  • 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.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Ref. 3970/2
A very fine and extremely rare perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moonphases, leap year, 24-hour indication and bracelet

1993
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 140,000 
€71,300-125,000
$80,600-141,000

Sold for CHF118,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019