In celebration of their 150th anniversary, Patek Philippe introduced a series of watch programs along with the caliber 89 Ultra-Complication. One of these watches was the reference 3979, first introduced in 1989 and had a production run to approximately 2002. The reference 3979 directly inherits the design of the reference 2524-1 made in 1954, bearing its classic petite case size of 33 mm and minute repeater complication. Known to assist mankind for telling time in the dark, the minute repeater has been around since the 16th century.

Activation of the minute repeater can be fully observed through the sapphire crystal display back, with the striking hammer engaging with the gongs, producing a deep tone for the striking hours, an alternating tone for the quarter-hours and a higher tone for the nearest elapsed minute. Patek Philippe minute repeaters are known to achieve the best tone and clarity, and the present reference 3979 is an astounding example of this. Not only does it produce the most exemplifying chime, the case is forged in platinum while the dial is crafted in white enamel. Ever the slightest change in material would affect the tone of the minute repeater, yet Patek Philippe has achieved a perfect balance between sound and matter. Platinum examples of the 3979 represents a very small percentage of 3979 produced, and to find one fitted with an elegant enamel dial is extremely exceptional.