PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 3974YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR MINUTE REPEATING WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES, LEAP-YEAR AND 24-HOUR INDICATIONMADE IN 1990

Dial: silvered Calibre: cal. R 27 Q automatic, 39 jewels Movement number: 1'906'019 Case: 18k yellow gold, snap-on sapphire crystal display back Case number: 2'867'042 Closure: Patek Philippe crocodile strap and 18k yellow gold buckle Dimensions: 36.5 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, additional 18k yellow gold solid case back, setting pin, presentation case and Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on November 12th, 1990

MVT: is running at the time of cataloguing, the calendar advancing and the repeating nicely in phase with a nice tone and clarity. CASE: in very attractive condition with nice proportions and crisp hallmarks on the back. The fluting to the lugs is still present and can be seen with the naked eye. There are some minor signs of polishing and wear visible with the naked eye when closely examining the case. DIAL: in great condition with very minor surface blemishes, including a very faint stain above the index at 4 o'clock. 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."

One of the most complicated wristwatches made in series by the famed manufacturer, the reference 3974 combines a perpetual calendar and a minute repeater. The reference was introduced alongside others for the 150th anniversary of Patek Philippe in 1989 and stayed in production until 2002. An estimated total of only 160 pieces were ever made.

What makes this particular piece exceptional is that the case was made by Jean-Pierre Hagmann, carrying his mark on the lug and on the spare back. Only the early ones were made by him and only the earliest carry his mark such as the present lot with the low serial number ending in '019'. He is a famed artist in his craft, having also made the case for the Calibre 89. 

The watch is retained in original condition and comes as a full set with certificate, spare case back and presentation case.