- 149
Patek Philippe
Estimate
50,000 - 100,000 GBP
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Description
- A VERY FINE YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH REGISTERS AND MOON-PHASESREF 3971 MVT 875088 CASE 2824144 1ST SERIES MADE IN 1987
- yellow gold
- diameter 36 mm
• cal. 27-70 manual winding lever movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 24 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 8 positions, Gyromax balance • silvered dial, applied square and baton indexes, subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap year indication and date combined with moon-phases, twin apertures for day and month • 18k yellow gold case, stepped down-turned lugs, sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
Catalogue Note
This Reference 3971, is an extremely rare variation of the more commonly known reference 3970. About 100 pieces were made from the first series and are distinguished by their snap-on rather than screw-down case backs.
Production of the first series references 3970 and 3971 began in 1986, replacing the legendary reference 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 reference 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.
Production of the first series references 3970 and 3971 began in 1986, replacing the legendary reference 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 reference 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.
To the best of our knowledge this watch has never before been presented at auction.