PATEK PHILIPPE, REF. 3970EG-016, A FINE FOURTH SERIES GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH

CASE NUMBER: 4’197’790, MOVEMENT NUMBER: 3’046’720

Details

CIRCA: 2000s
CASE MATERIAL: 18k white gold
DIAMETER: 36 mm.
STRAP MATERIAL: Black leather strap
DIAL: Silvered with applied gold hour markers
MOVEMENT: Cal. 27-70 Q, manual-winding, 24 jewels, Hallmark of Geneva
FUNCTIONS: Time, perpetual calendar, chronograph, moon phases, leap year indicator
BUCKLE: 18k white gold folding buckle
WITH: Certificate of Origin (undated), corrector pin, additional 18k white gold caseback, product literature, leather folder, presentation box and outer packaging
Ψ The present lot has an additional endangered species strap which will not be shipped outside of the UAE. However, the strap can be collected from the sale office in Dubai. Contact a specialist for more information.


Lot Essay

The Patek Philippe reference 3970 perpetual calendar chronograph is considered a modern classic. The reference 3970 was launched in 1986 to replace the reference 2499. The 3970 features a Lemania-based movement rather than a Valjoux movement. This particular example has a case made of 18k white gold and a silvered dial with applied baton hour markers.
As part of the fourth series of 3970s (1994-2004), this watch was made in the 2000s (when compared to case numbers of other examples from the era) and represents one of the last 3970s ever made before the 5970 came in production in 2004. Within this fourth series, white gold examples are the rarest variation. This watch is a fine example of the coveted reference.
Reference 3970 continues to gain new followers and fans due to its classic proportions and clean look. It remains an important part of the distinguished legacy of Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronographs.