Lot 234
  • 234

PATEK PHILIPPE | RETAILED BY TIFFANY & CO: REF 3971EPINK GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES, 24-HOUR AND LEAP-YEAR INDICATIONMADE IN 1989

Estimate
120,000 - 180,000 CHF
bidding is closed

Description

  • Patek Philippe
  • RETAILED BY TIFFANY & CO: REF 3971EPINK GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES, 24-HOUR AND LEAP-YEAR INDICATIONMADE IN 1989
Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. CH27-70 Q manual winding, 24 jewelsMovement number: 875'360Case: 18k pink gold, screw-down sapphire crystal display backCase number: 2'855'579Closure: 18k Patek Philippe buckleDimensions: 36mmSigned: dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe presentation case and Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on June 22nd, 1989

Condition

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. Chronograph and calendar functioning. CASE: In excellent overall condition. With full proportions to the lugs that are very nicely fluted. Strong hallmarks to the sides of the lugs. There is only very light surface wear to the case. in very good condition. Minor signs of wear, some scratching on the case back and evidence of opening to the facets of the back. DIAL: in excellent condition. 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."

Catalogue Note

The reference 3971 was launched in 1986 alongside its more commonly known sister reference 3970. Models from the first series were equipped with sapphire crystal display snap-on backs. At the end of 1987, the second series with screw-down display backs replaced the existing version. The present lot is from this series, also known as reference 3971E, which stands for 'étanche' the French for waterproof. Already in 1990, the reference 3971 was rendered obsolete by the availability of the 3rd series 3970 with two backs. Having been in production only for a few years it is much rarer than its sibling reference.

The particular model being offered comes in pink gold, representing only a small percentage of the overall production. What makes this exceptional piece very desirable for collectors is the Tiffany & Co. signature on the dial. A very rare feature, it is even more seldom to find it on a pink gold example. Retained in extremely crisp and well preserved condition the lugs are nicely fluted and the case retains very strong hallmarks to the outsides of the lugs.