Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1991
    Reference No: 3970E
    Movement No: 875’912
    Case No: 2’873’887
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. CH27-70 Q, 24 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated 9 September 1991, additional solid caseback, extra spring bars, instruction manual, product literature, leather folio, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    When Patek Philippe unveiled the 36mm ref. 3970 in 1986, it succeeded the long-running ref. 2499 with an upgraded Lemania-based movement. While adopting similar aesthetics, the ref. 3970 spanned four series over 19 years, with approximately 4,000 examples produced across all metals.

    The second series (1987 – 1990) features a solid screw down caseback “E – Etanche”, feuille hands, hallmarks on the side on the lugs, rectangular indexes, and the font within the day and date windows matches that of the subdials, with subtle flourishes and serifs. Produced in all four case materials with an estimated 450 examples produced across all metals.

    The present yellow gold ref. 3970 hails from the second series, bearing the 875’XXX movement number. Crisp hallmarks adorn each side of the lugs, with an additional solid caseback.

    Preserved in excellent condition with its Certificate of Origin and presentation box, the present ref. 3970 is a prized timepiece for collectors who appreciates the horological excellence of Patek Philippe that defined the perpetual calendar chronograph.

  • 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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852

Ref. 3970E
A very fine and rare 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 1991
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$470,000 - 940,000 
€55,000-110,000
$60,300-121,000

Sold for HK$1,270,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024