Patek Philippe

• cal. CH27-70Q manual winding damascened nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 24 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions • silvered dial, applied faceted baton numerals, twin apertures for day and month, three subsidiary dials indicating seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap year indication and date combined with phases of the moon • 18k white gold circular case with concave bezel, stepped down-turned lugs, sapphire crystal display back, two round chronograph pushers to the band • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe folding buckle

Rare watch. Manual winding movement running and all calendar functions are operating while cataloguing. Dial is clean and looks great. Case appears in unused condition. Overall the watch is in excellent condition. REF 3970G. Movement 3046794. Case 4153756.
"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 dated March 2003 within a maroon leather folder, a veneered mahogany presentation case, outer card box, setting pin and a spare 18k white gold case back.

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. Reference 3970 was created in four series. The present example belongs to the fourth and final series. According to our research, examples of the fourth series in white gold are extremely rare and fewer examples appear to have been made in this metal than any other.