Patek Philippe

cal.CH27-70Q nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 24 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 8 positions • silvered dial with applied faceted baton and square numerals, twin apertures for day and month, three subsidiary dials for seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap year indicaton, date combined with phases of the moon • platinum case, stepped down-turned lugs, screw-down back, scooped bezel • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe buckle

The movement is running, all functions appear fully operational while cataloguing. Dial in very good condition. Case with small signs of wear. A rare collectable model that is no longer in production.
"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 a Certificate of Origin confirming production with a silvered dial. The Certificate is stamped by the retailer Gubelin AG with the date of sale noted as May 1993. Together with presentation case, outer card box and setting pin.

Reference 3970 was made in four series between 1986 and 2004. The first examples featured a snap-on case back and can be seen as the logical successor to the reference 2499. Within two years of the model's launch, the case back was revised to a screw-down water-resistant type back. The present lot belongs to the third series which was made between 1989 and 1995. The platinum reference 3970 was usually supplied with a black dial and diamond set numerals; examples with a silvered dial, such as that on the present watch, are rare.

An example of reference 3970 and caibre 27-70Q are illustrated in Huber, M., Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, p.305.