Patek Philippe

• cal 27-70Q nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, free-sprung Gyromax balance, 24 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions • white dial, applied pink gold baton and square indexes, apertures for day and month, three subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap year indicator and date combined with moon-phases • 18k pink gold circular water-resistant-type case, concave bezel, screw back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k pink gold Patek Philippe buckle

The movement is running and chronograph and calendar appear to function while cataloguing, however it could use service soon. The dial is very clean with no marks. The case shows almost no wear throughout and the gold stamps to the lugs are in very sharp condition. 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."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1991 and sale on January 16th, 1992 as well as an undated Certificate of Origin. Together with Patek Philippe booklets within a leather folder.

Patek Philippe launched Ref. 3970 in 1986 and continued production until 2004. It was created following the success of the exceptional Ref. 2499, also a perpetual calendar chronograph watch. For an example of Ref. 2499, see lot 24.

This model was created in four series. The present example belongs to the second series, which is distinguished from its predecessor by the introduction of the screw-down back. As a result, this and the succeeding series of the model would be modified with the letter 'E' for étanche, or waterproof.

As Ref. 3970 was well-received for its combination of chronograph and perpetual calendar complications, Patek Philippe responded by increasing its production run for each subsequent series. As such, examples belonging to early series, such as the present model, are rarer and less frequently seen at auction than examples belonging to later ones. 

According to our research, there have been only 10 second series examples of Ref. 3970E in pink gold to appear at auction, from roughly 60 examples of this series made in pink gold. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present example has been offered at auction.