Patek Philippe

• cal. CH 27-70 manual winding nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, free-sprung Gyromax balance, 24 jewels • white dial with applied gold baton indexes and hands, outer minute and 1/5 second divisions, aperture for day and month, subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap-year indication, date and moon-phases indication • 18k yellow gold case, fluted lugs, chronograph pushers to the band, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe folding buckle

Movement, perpetual calendar and chronograph function in working order when cataloging. Dial is very nice and clean, in excellent condition. Case with surface scuffs and scratches, especially to the lower lugs. A nick to the upper left lug. Overall in good condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. **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."

With a Patek Philippe interchangeable solid case back, setting pin, presentation box and an Extract from the Archives.

Modelled after the exceptional and iconic Ref. 2499, the influence of its predecessors on Ref. 3970 can be clearly seen, especially with its downturned fluted lugs.  What characterises one model from the other 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.

Ref. 3970 was first launched in 1986 with a snap-on case back; Patek Philippe modified the design two years later to a screw-down water resistant type case back, which is the Ref 3970E.  The Ref. 3970E (for étanche or water-resistant) was produced in yellow, white and rose gold, as well as platinum.

Today, the Ref. 3970, along with its predecessors the 2499 and 1518, holds a position of significance within the oeuvre of complicated wristwatches crafted by Patek Philippe.  Ref. 3970 was discontinued and replaced by Ref. 5970 in 2004.