PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 3970EPLATINUM AND DIAMOND-SET PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON-PHASES, 24-HOUR AND LEAP-YEAR INDICATIONMADE IN 1996

Dial: black, diamond-setCalibre: cal. CH 27-70Q manual winding, 24 jewels Movement number: 3'045'524 Case: platinum, screw-down sapphire crystal display backCase number: 2'994'049 Closure: Patek Philippe alligator strap and platinum folding claspDimensions: 36 mm Signed: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on December 9th, 1996

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing, chronograph starts, stops and resets, day, date and month advancing, 24h indicator functional, moonphase functional. CASE: hallmarks remain visible and the fluting to the lugs is still present. There are small dings and scratches throughout. The case has been polished. DIAL: in good condition with diamonds intact. There are some particles flaking off the 24-hour and leap-year indication hands, resulting in very fine particles to be visible with the naked eye when closely examining the dial. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

The present platinum 3970 was sold in 1996 and bears the sought-after Stern Créations black lacquer dial with diamond indexes. It belongs to the fourth series, of which an estimated 10% have come back to the market since their initial distribution. The platinum case is considered the second rarest variant for this generation of 3970s, after the white gold. The platinum case was manufactured by Ateliers Réunis and bears the traditional fluting to the lugs. The timeless case proportions and exceptionally high quality of the craftsmanship and finishing has engaged collectors' interest for this increasingly sought-after reference.

This Patek Philippe reference 3970 in platinum is offered with an Extract from the Archives confirming its date of sale on December 9th, 1996.