Patek Phillipe

• cal. 27-70Q manual winding lever movement, stamped with the Seal of Geneva, 24 jewels • silvered dial, applied gold baton indexes, outer minute track with 1/5 seconds divisions, subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap year indication and date combined with an aperture for moon-phases, twin apertures for day and month in English • 18k yellow gold case, concave bezel, fluted lugs, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe folding clasp

Movement running at the time of cataloguing and chronograph functions, other functions advancing. Case with scuffs and scratches throughout. particularly to the bezel and band at 9. Dial and hands in very good condition. The watch has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service might be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe presentation case, the Certificate of Origin and an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on July 12th, 1993

Ref. 3970 was created following the success of the exceptional and iconic Ref. 2499. The design of the case of Ref. 3970, with its down-turned, fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by the form of the 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.

Patek Philippe first launched the Ref. 3970 in 1986 with a snap on case back. Two years into production, Patek Philippe modified the design to a screw-down water resistant type case back. The present lot is a Ref. 3970E (E for Etanche or water-resistant) which was produced in yellow, white, rose gold, and platinum, production continued until 2004. 

Ref. 3970 is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A. Patek Philippe, Vol. II, Second Edition, p. 305.