Ref. 3970
Lot 68
Patek Philippe, Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, Ref. 3970EJ, third generation, movement no. 3045368, case no. 2968267, made in 1995, sold in 1996
Est. CHF 75’000 – 100’000
A superb, rare and attractive, full-set, water-resistant, manual-winding, 18K yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with round chronograph pushers, 24-hour, moon phases and leap year indications, 18K yellow gold PP folding clasp
Further accompanied by a spare bracelet with an 18K gold PP buckle and an Extract of the Archives
Fitted with a caliber cal. 27’70Q, rhodium-plated, hand wound, 24 jewels, manual winding, self-compensating Breguet hairspring, gyromax balance, column-wheel chronograph mechanism, stamped with the Seal of Geneva.
Patek Philippe’s best signature. The present reference 3970 is a highly collectable specimen!
Dial, case and movement signed.
Diam. 36.30 mm. Thickness 12.70 mm.
Litterature:
the model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305. Reference 3970 along with its predecessors, the Ref. 2499 and Ref. 1518, hold a significant position in the eyes of Patek Philippe collectors today, as the combination of a perpetual calendar with a chronograph is probably
Note:
Reference 3970 was launched in 1986, the first generation were fitted with snap on case backs. Around 1988, the model was modified to a water-resistant version with screw back, like the present watch. In 2004, reference 3970 was replaced by the new reference 5970. The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305. Reference 3970 along with its predecessors, the 2499 and 1518, hold a significant position in the eyes of Patek Philippe collectors today, as the combination of a perpetual calendar with a chronograph is probably Patek Philippe’s best signature.
The model is a very fine and rare 18K yellow gold, water-resistant, perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, 24-hour and leap year indications. The model has a two-body construction: a plain gold water-resistant circular case with downturned fluted lugs, a raised concave bezel fitted with a slightly domed sapphire crystal, two round chronograph buttons in the band, as well as correctors for the calendar functions, a screwed transparent case back with sapphire crystal, which allows to see the movement.
Under the transparent case back , we find a caliber CH 27-70 Q, mechanical, hand wound, rhodium-plated, stamped with the Geneva seal, 24 jewels, Gyromax balance, self compensating free sprung Breguet regulator, shock-absorbers, column-wheel mechanism. Under the glass, a two-tone silvered matte dial, with applied gold facetted baton numerals, an outer radial Arabic five minute divisions, two windows for day and month, in french, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 24 hours register, 30-minute register and leap year indicator, date and moon phases.
The present watch is also fitted with an 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp. The present watch is complete with all accessories and retains its gold hallmarks stamped to the outside of the lugs. The present watch is further more accompanied by an additional Patek Philippe leather strap and an extra 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle. Dial, case and movement are signed. The size between the lugs is 19 mm.
The present reference 3970 is a highly collectable specimen!
Condition: 8.5/10, in very good overall condition, full-set, additional strap and 18K yellow PP buckle and Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: 3970
Year: 1995, sold in August 1996
Reference: 3970EJ
Material: 18K yellow gold
Movement no: 3045368
Case no.: 2968267
Dial: silvered,calendar in French, gold Baton hands
Movement: cal. 27’70Q, column-wheel, stamped with the Seal of Geneva, 24 jewels, manual winding
Bracelet: leather PP strap with an 18K yellow Patek Philippe deployant clasp
Functions: chronograph, perpetual calendar, moon phases, 24 hour indication, leap year
Water-resistant: yes, tested
Dimensions: 36.30 mm diam, thickness 12.70 mm.
Accessories: original fitted presentation box and outer packaging, Certificate of Origin dated August 1996, PP push pin, spare solid 18K gold case back, spare bracelet with 18K gold PP buckle, Extract of the Archives
