PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 3970EJA YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES LEAP YEAR AND 24 HOUR INDICATION MADE IN 1990

Dial: silvered, twin apertures for day and month in GermanCaliber: cal. CH 27-70 Q manual winding movement, 24 jewelsMovement number: 875561Case: 18k yellow gold, screw down solid case backCase number: 2860503Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckleDimensions: 36 mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on June 15, 1990, bi fold, booklets

CASE Case in fair condition with scuff and scratches consistent with wear and age. Minor scratches to the case at 6 and 7, as well as to the bottom left lug. Slight scratch to the case at 12. Noticeable scuffs to the top two lugs. DIAL Dial in fair condition with moderate debris throughout, especially towards edges of dial. Very small spots of oxidation to the hour marker at 5. MOVEMENT Calendar functions working properly. The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. 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 (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
"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."

For further reading on the Ref. 3970, see lot 131.  The largest difference between Ref. 2499 and Ref. 3970 actually lies beneath the dial. With the Ref. 3970, the firm introduced the Caliber CH 27-70 Q, a Lemania based movement, rather than the Valjoux based movement used the its predecessors, the Ref. 2499 and Ref. 1518.  This caliber was considered one of the finest movements in the world, and is still used in certain special watches today. The firm's collection of perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches is highly desired by collectors and represents the firm's superior horological expertise.