Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-70Q, manual winding nickel lever movement, 24 jewels • silvered dial, applied baton indexes, yellow gold feuille hands, apertures for day and month, 3 subsidiary dials for 30-minute register combined with leap year, date combined with moon phases, and constant seconds combined with 24-hours • 18k yellow gold case, concave bezel, round chronograph push down buttons, screw-down sapphire crystal case back • case, dial, and movement signed • 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

According to scholarship the third series of the Ref. 3970 was sold with a solid and sapphire crystal case back. The present lot was originally sold with the sapphire crystal case back. Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. All functions working correctly on calendar and chronograph. Case is in very good unpolished condition with slight scuffs overall. Slight wear to the top right lug, some slight nicks to the bottom right lug. Hallmarks are crisp. Dial in good condition with slight patina to the subsidiary dials. Small barely visible nick to the dial to the date subsidiary dial. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see 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 the Certificate of Origin and original display box. With an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on 11 April 1991.

Ref. 3970 was created following the success of the exceptional and iconic Ref. 2499. The design of the case of Ref. 3970, with its down-turned, fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by the form of the Ref. 2499.  One main difference between the two models is the addition of the leap year indicator to the 3 o'clock subsidiary dial and 24-hour indicator to the 9 o'clock subsidiary dial.

Patek Philippe first launched the Ref. 3970 in 1986 with a snap on case back. Two years into production, Patek modified the design to a screw-down water resistant type case back. The present lot is a Ref. 3970E (E for Etanche or water-resistant) which was produced in yellow, white, rose gold, and platinum.  

Ref. 3970 is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A. Patek Philippe, Vol. II, Second Edition, p. 305.