Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 2001
    Reference No: 3970EJ-014
    Movement No: 3’046’239
    Case No: 4’125’960
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. CH27-70 Q, 24 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Mersmann Lugano dated December 2001, additional solid caseback, setting pin, instruction manual, product literature, service invoice, leather folio, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1986, Patek Philippe replaced the long-lived ref. 2499 with the new ref. 3970 featuring an upgraded Lemania based cal. CH27-70Q succeeding its former Valjoux based caliber. While adopting similar aesthetics to its previous reference, the ref. 3970 features a smaller case dimension at 36mm diameter. The reference was produced in all four metals including yellow gold, pink gold, white gold and platinum across a total of four series with production spanning over 19 years. It is estimated that throughout its course of production over 4,000 examples of the reference were produced.

    First series (1986 – 1988) – Features a snap back case, feuille hands and rectangular indexes. Only produced in yellow gold with an estimated 100 examples produced.

    Second series (1987 – 1990) – Features a solid screw back case “E – Etanche”, feuille hands, hallmarks on the side on the lugs and rectangular indexes. Produced in all four case materials with an estimated 450 examples produced across all metals.

    Third series (1989 – 1995) – Features a solid screw back case “E – Etanche” with an extra 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. From 1997 onwards it features deployant clasp and hallmarks behind the lugs. Estimated 2,000 examples produced across all four metals. (The present example)

    The present example Patek Philippe ref. 3970EJ-014 in yellow gold bearing a 3’046’XXX movement is part of the fourth series, making it one of the last examples from the series before the end of its production. Offered in attractive condition, the hallmarks stamped behind all four lugs are remains crisp and deep. Offered with its full set of accessories including its setting pin and additional solid caseback with corresponding numbers, the present ref. 3970EJ-014 will surely impress discerned collectors seeking for a timeless and important Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch.

  • 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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Σ822

Ref. 3970EJ-014
A fine and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, leap year and 24-hour indication, Certificate of Origin, additional solid caseback and presentation box

Circa 2001
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$500,000 - 700,000 
€59,500-83,300
$64,100-89,700

Sold for HK$882,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)