PATEK PHILIPPE | A FINE AND RARE WHITE GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH REGISTERS, MOON-PHASES AND LEAP YEAR INDICATION REF 5970G MVT 3048384 CASE 4348849 CIRCA 2006

cal. 27-70 Q manual winding movement stamped with Geneva seal, 24 jewels • silvered dial, applied baton indexes, outer ring for tachometer, apertures for day and month, 3 subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap-year indication and date combined with moon-phases • 18k white gold case, square chronograph pushers to the band, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe folding clasp

The movement and all chronograph functions are in working condition at the time of cataloguing, the hands are slightly oxidized. The watches is in excellent close to unused condition the calendar functions are working properly. The hands with light signs of tarnishing, otherwise the watch is in excellent overall condition with hardly any signs of wear. The folding clasp with minor signs of wear toward the edge. *Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's expense. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. **Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species, please refer to important notices for further information. *Please note that the watch needs to be taken to boutique for proper adjustment of perpetual calendar to the correct dates
"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, interchangeable solid case back, setting pin and presentation box. Since the introduction of Patek Philippe’s first series produced perpetual calendar chronograph, reference 1518 in 1941, the perpetual calendar chronograph has become one of Patek Philippe’s signature pieces.

Reference 5970 was launched in 2004 and replaced reference 3970 which had been in production since 1986. As the natural successor to the legendary Patek Philippe lineage of perpetual calendar chronograph models, the 5970 is clearly influenced by each of its preceding references. Equipped with a movement based on a Lemania ébauche (heavily modified and finished by Patek Philippe) calibre 27-70Q, reference 5970 houses the same movement as 3970. However, the case of the 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.

Being hailed as one of the most iconic modern Patek Philippe wristwatches, reference 5970 also marked several imperative benchmarks one the firm’s watchmaking history – first of all, reference 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; secondly, reference 5970 is the last perpetual calendar chronograph of the company featuring the Geneva seal on the movement. Starting from 2009, Patek Philippe has replaced the Geneva Seal with a higher-standard seal of its own. Last but not least, Patek Philippe made the important jump to create their own in-house caliber for its perpetual calendar chronograph with a reference 5270G, meaning reference 5970 was the last hurrah featuring a Lemania based movement.

In this Important Watches auction, we are privileged to offer four very great examples of the reference 5970. Our collection combines all ingredients necessary to truly merit the title of our sale – Important Watches: the highly coveted reference 5970 made by the world’s most dignified watchmakers, the amazing condition, and to crown it all, the exceptional provenance.