PATEK PHILIPPE | A VERY FINE AND RARE WHITE GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON-PHASES, REGISTERS, 24-HOUR AND LEAP-YEAR INDICATION AND BLACK DIALREF 3970G-018 MVT 3047250 CASE 4258790 CIRCA 2004

• cal. 27-70 manual winding movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 24 jewels • black dial, applied gold baton indexes, 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, twin apertures for day and month, outer minute track with 1/5 seconds divisions • 18k white gold case, scooped bezel, 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

Movement in working order when cataloging. Dial and hands are in excellent condition. Case in excellent condition with no strong fluting and definition to the lugs. the hallmarks on the lugs are very crisp and very easy to read. The watch has seldom been used and is in excellent overall condition. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. **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."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, instruction manual, an interchangeable solid case back, a setting pin and presentation box.  Introduced in 1986, the Patek Philippe reference 3970 was the modern benchmark watch for perpetual calendar chronograph. Reference 3970 was created following the success of the exceptional reference 2499. 

One can distinguish four series in the production of reference 3970. The various series are defined by variations in case designs or features. Its case diameter in 36mm, with its down-turned, fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by reference 2499. One obvious difference between the two models is the addition of the leap year indicator to the 3 o'clock subsidiary dial and 24-hour indicator to the 9 o'clock subsidiary dial. One extremely rare variation on the reference 3970 has been seen with dauphine hands. In addition, this is the first reference Patek Philippe made a perpetual chronograph in white gold.

This lot made in year 2004 belongs to the 3^rd series, was from a considerably late production watch. Many would consider this black dial with baton index to be the rarest 3970s, amongst the more commonly seen silvered dial. Further highlighting this example is it's close to new condition and the presence of all original accessories.