- 167
Patek Philippe
Description
- A FINE AND VERY RARE YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH GILT DIAL, REGISTER, MOON-PHASES AND SNAP-ON SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL DISPLAY BACK1987 REF 3971J FIRST SERIES MVT 875074 CASE 2824136
- diameter 36 mm
Condition
"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."
Catalogue Note
The accompanying Extract from the Archives confirms that this wristwatch was manufactured in 1987 with gilded dial.
Ref. 3971 is an extremely rare variation of the more commonly known ref. 3970. Only 11 examples of ref.3971 are known from the first series and are distinguished by their snap-on rather than screw-down case backs. The present watch's rarity is further enhanced by being only the second ref. 3971 first series wristwatch to have appeared on the market with a gilt dial.
Production of the first series references 3970 and 3971 began in 1986, replacing the legendary ref.2499 (production of which had ceased in 1985). The first series 3970 and 3971 can be seen as transitional models between the 2499 and later versions of the 3970 as they continued with the traditional snap-on case backs of their predecessor. By the end of 1987, after just two years of production, the first series ref.3970 and 3971 were replaced by new versions with screw-down case backs; the 3970 with a solid back and the 3971 with sapphire display back.