Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-70/155 manual winding nickel lever movement stamped with Geneva seal, 24 jewels, Gyromax balance • black dial, applied baton indexes, outer ring for tachometer, apertures for day and month, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap-year indication and date combined with moon-phases, feuille hands • platinum case, two square chronograph buttons to the band, screw-down sapphire crystal display back, diamond to the band at 6 • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe folding buckle

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. Movement running while cataloguing and functions are operating. Dial and hands look in excellent condition. Case in very good condition with only very few light scuffs due from very careful wear. Overall in very good condition. Extremely appealing and beautiful watch coming in fantastic condition and with a very complete set. Highly recommended. **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."

The reference 5970 was launched in 2004 replacing reference 3970, in production since 1986. Since the introduction of Patek Philippe’s first perpetual calendar chronograph, reference 1518 in 1941, the complication has become one of Patek Philippe’s signature pieces.

The 5970 was in production for only 6 years, an extremely short period of time when compared with the previous 3 models (references 1518, 2499 and 3970) which, between them, had an average production period of 20 years.

As the natural successor to the legendary Patek Philippe lineage of perpetual calendar chronograph models, the Ref. 5970 is clearly influenced by its preceding references. However, the case of the Ref. 5970 is considerably larger and more contemporary than its predecessors, with a diameter of 40 mm. This larger size may in part have prompted the re-introduction of the tachometer scale to the outer edge of the dial, a feature that had not been seen as a standard issue since the second series version of the reference 2499 in the late 1950s. Following its launch, the 5970 immediately met with success. 

The platinum version of Ref. 5970 was the final material to be released. Available for approximately one year only between 2009 and 2010, the 5970P reportedly has the lowest production of any Ref. 5970 metals with less than 25 examples known. Replaced by the contemporary Ref. 5270, the Ref. 5970, particularly in the rarest and most precious of metals, platinum, is considered to be the one the most desirable and iconic Patek Philippe production models released in recent years.  

To the best of our knowledge this watch has never before been presented at auction.