Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1994 Reference No: 3970E Movement No: 876’873 Case No: 2’945’320 Material: Platinum and diamond Calibre: Manual, cal. CH27’70Q, 24 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Patek Philippe platinum pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated March 28, 1995, Patek Philippe presentation box, additional platinum solid case back, setting pin, hang tag, leather envelope, product literature and outer packaging. Further accompanied by Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black dial in 1994.
Catalogue Essay
Patek Philippe’s reference 3970 was a new generation of the brand’s famed serialised perpetual calendar chronograph first released in 1941 with the reference 1518, and followed ten years later by the reference 2499. Launched in 1986, the new reference featured a similar aesthetic to its predecessors with pump-style pushers and down turned stepped lugs, however, the case diameter was reduced in size from 37.5mm to 36mm. The wristwatch was upgraded with a heavily modified Lemania 2310 base caliber, CH 27-70 Q, replacing the former Valjoux movement. Additionally, the dial was redesigned to include both leap year and 24-hour indications.
Beginning with serial number 875’000, the first 100 examples featured a snap on case back with applied gold sword indexes and feuille hands. The second series featured a screw-down, solid caseback, with the hallmarks stamped on the outside of the lugs. The third series featured a sapphire display back along with a screw-down solid caseback, like the present example. The fourth series is identical to the 3rd series.
The present example in platinum has a black dial with diamond indexes and assigned the reference 3970E (“E” – étanche meaning waterproof). Offered for the first time at public auction, the present model from 1994 is in excellent overall condition with strong case proportions and a vibrant black lacquer dial. The watch is accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin, presentation box, hang tag and ever so important, additional solid case back.
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.
Ref. 3970E A rare and highly attractive platinum and diamond-set perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with black dial, leap year, 24-hour indications, and moon phase with original certificate of origin, additional solid case back, and presentation box
1994 36mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed.
