Patek Philippe

• cal. CH 27-70Q manual winding lever movement, stamped with the Seal of Geneva, 24 jewels •  black dial, applied pointed baton indexes, subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap year indication and date combined with an aperture for moon phases, twin aperture for day and month in English • platinum case, concave bezel, fluted lugs, screw down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe folding clasp

The movement, chronograph and calendar functions are in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial and hands are in great condition. Case in good overall condition with scuffs and scratches throughout consistent with regular use. A few nicks are visible on the edge of the bezel. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives, a platinum solid case back, a setting pin and presentation case.  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.

The Ref. 3970, along with its predecessors the 2499 and 1518, holds a significant position in the eyes of complicated Patek Philippe watch collectors today.  Ref. 3970 was discontinued and replaced by Ref. 5970 in 2004.