Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-70 manual winding movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 24 jewels, Gyromax balance • silvered dial, applied bullet indexes, subsidiary dials indicating 30-minute register combined with leap year, date combined with moon-phases, 12-hour register combined with constant seconds, apertures for day and month • circular case with concave bezel, two round chronograph pushers to the band, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • integrated 18k yellow gold woven bracelet • case, dial, movement and bracelet signed • Attestation, Extract from the Archives confirming sale on 19 December 1994, certificate, instructions, folder, setting tool and presentation case

An excellent example. The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, and the chronograph and calendar correctors are functioning and advancing properly. The dial is very clean and shows no visible imperfections. The case and bracelet show minimal signs of wear throughout. The band shows well defined gold marks, though one is less well defined, with case maker's key 28.
"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."

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 model was available in yellow, white and pink gold and platinum. Within the same family of the 3970s existed two close relatives that contained the same case, dial and movement layout, the 3971 with sapphire crystal display back, and the Ref. 3970/2 with integrated bracelet. Of all the perpetual calendar chronographs produced in this family, the Ref. 3970/2 is unquestionably the rarest model within and notably one of the most elegant complicated bracelet watches ever made.

Less than 5 examples of yellow gold Ref. 3970/2s have been offered publicly.

Furthermore, the present example is in pristine unworn condition from the original owner. The dial, case, and movement all retain their original factory finish and a warm patina radiates from the entire watch.

Reference 3970 is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, p. 305.