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PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 3970 FIRST SERIESA YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH MADE IN 1987
Estimate
60,000 - 90,000 USD
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Description
- Patek Philippe
- REF 3970 FIRST SERIESA YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH MADE IN 1987
Dial: silveredCaliber: cal. 27-70 Q manual winding movement, 24 jewelsMovement number: 875062Case: 18k yellow gold, snap on case backCase number: 2824186Size: diameter 36 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Patek Philippe presentation box with outer packaging, Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on June 12, 1987, hang tag, leather bi fold and booklets
Condition
CASE Case in overall very good condition with some wear, consistent with age. Left side band with some rubbing and scuffs from occasional use. Lower left lug with some wear to the stepped area. Backs of lugs with some very small surface scratches. DIAL Dial in excellent overall condition. MOVEMENT Calendar and moon phase and chronograph functions working properly. Movement running at time of cataloguing, The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. ***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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Patek Philippe launched this model Ref. 3970 in 1986 and continued production for approximately two years. It features a solid snap-on case back. It was replaced with Ref. 3970E, which had a screw back rather than a snap back, with the suffix indicating étanche, or waterproof. This screw back model was produced until 2004. This model is frequently referred to as 'Ref. 3970 First Series', with the later variations (Ref. 3970E) subsequently numbered second through fourth.
According to our research, it is believed that approximately 100 examples of the snap back Ref. 3970 were made, starting with movement number 875000. The present lot is numbered 62 among the first timepieces produced. Of those, the present example is one of fewer than 20 examples to appear at auction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present example has been offered at auction.
As Ref. 3970 was well-received for its combination of chronograph and perpetual calendar complications, Patek Philippe responded by increasing its production run for the various series of the 3970E. As such, first series examples of the Ref. 3970, such as the present model, are significantly more rare and less frequently seen at auction.
This reference is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, pp. 305.
According to our research, it is believed that approximately 100 examples of the snap back Ref. 3970 were made, starting with movement number 875000. The present lot is numbered 62 among the first timepieces produced. Of those, the present example is one of fewer than 20 examples to appear at auction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present example has been offered at auction.
As Ref. 3970 was well-received for its combination of chronograph and perpetual calendar complications, Patek Philippe responded by increasing its production run for the various series of the 3970E. As such, first series examples of the Ref. 3970, such as the present model, are significantly more rare and less frequently seen at auction.
This reference is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, pp. 305.