Lot 234
  • 234

Patek Philippe

Estimate
200,000 - 250,000 USD
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Description

  • A FINE AND RARE GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH REGISTER, MOON-PHASES AND SNAP BACK1987 REF 3970J MVT 875080 CASE 2824176
  • diameter 36mm.
• cal 27-70Q nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, free-sprung Gyromax balance, 24 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions • white dial, applied gold baton and square indexes, apertures for day and month in German, three subsidiary dials, the first and the third with contrasting brushed finish, indicating constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap year indicator and date combined with moon-phases • 18k gold circular case, concave bezel, snap back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k gold Patek Philippe buckle

Condition

Overall, an excellent example, and very rare particularly with the German calendar. The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The dial is very clean with no visible imperfections. The case is in lightly worn, unpolished condition, bearing some surface scuffs from light wear. The fluting to the lugs is visible and only lightly worn on the bottom lugs. The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"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 an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1987 and sale on October 23rd of that year.

Patek Philippe launched Ref. 3970 in 1986 and continued production for approximately two years. It was replaced with Ref. 3970E, which had a screw back rather than a snap back, with the suffix indicating étanche, or waterproof. This screw back model was produced until 2004.

The model 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 general design of the case of Ref. 3970, with its snap back and downturned, fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by the form of Ref. 2499.

This model is frequently referred to as 'Ref. 3970 First Series', with the later variations of Ref. 3970E subsequently numbered second through fourth.

As Ref. 3970 was well-received for its combination of chronograph and perpetual calendar complications, Patek Philippe responded by increasing its production run for the various series of the 3970E. As such, examples of the Ref. 3970, such as the present model, are significantly more rare and less frequently seen at auction.

This particular example is rare within the model, as it bears a German calendar. Although the German market is an important one, fewer examples were produced with German calendars than English or French ones.

According to our research, it is believed that approximately 100 examples of the snap back Ref. 3970 were made. Of those, the present example is one of fewer than 20 examples to appear at auction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present example has been offered at auction.

This reference is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, pp. 305.