Lot 137
  • 137

Patek Philippe

Estimate
35,000 - 45,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed

Description

  • A fine yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with register, 24-hour indication and moon-phases1996 ref 3970J fourth series mvt 3045154 case 2953414
  • diameter 36 mm
• cal. CH 27' 70Q manual winding damascened nickel lever movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 24 jewels, free-sprung gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 8 positions • silvered dial, applied faceted baton numerals, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register with leap year register and date with aperture for moon-phases, apertures for day and month in English • 18k yellow gold case with scooped bezel, stepped down-turned lugs, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Condition

Movement running and all calendar and chronograph functions appear to be functioning correctly. Dial good. Case with light scuffs which would easily polish out, there is a very small pin head size indentation to the bezel between 1 and 2 and to the inner edge of top right lug, these could be improved if desired.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Catalogue Note

Accompanied by a spare 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe solid case back, wooden Patek Philippe presentation case and outer card box, associated unsigned setting pin. Also with a maroon leather folder containing a Certificate of Origin and instructions.

Patek Philippe launched Ref. 3970 in 1986 with a snap-off case back. Two years into production, Patek modified the design to a screw-down water-resistant type case back. Production of the model ceased in 2004. Ref. 3970 was created following the success of the exceptional and iconic ref. 2499. One main difference between the two models is the addition of the leap year indicator to the 3 o'clock subsidiary dial and 24-hour indicator to the 9 o'clock subsidiary dial. The design of the case of ref. 3970, with its down-turned, fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by the form of ref. 2499. Ref. 3970 is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, p. 305.