PATEK PHILIPPE | REF 3970EJ 'FOURTH SERIES'A YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES CIRCA 2003

Dial: silvered Caliber: cal. CH 27-70 Q manual winding movement, 24 jewelsMovement number: 3046792 Case: 18k yellow gold Case number: 4197823 Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe folding claspSize: diameter 36 mm  Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe presentation box with outer packaging, Certificate of Origin, solid 18k yellow gold secondary caseback, setting pin and hangtags

CASE The case is in excellent overall condition, still retaining what appears to be the original factory plastic seal on the dial and caseback. There is strong definition to the lugs. The present watch is accompanied by an additional solid 18k yellow gold caseback. DIAL The dial is in very good overall condition. MOVEMENT The chronograph and calendar functions are all operating 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."

As the direct successor of reference 2499 (see lot 134 and 245), reference 3970 launched in 1986 and remained in production until 2004.  Manufactured in yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum, reference 3970 was considered a standout from prior perpetual calendar chronographs produced by the firm. Some of the most noteworthy modifications were made to the size and the movement.  The movement in previous perpetual calendar chronographs, such as references 1518 and 2499, were Valjoux based movements, whereas reference 3970 was the first Lemania based movement used in a chronograph - caliber CH 27-70 Q. The slightly smaller movement allowed Patek Philippe to create a smaller case size, measuring to 36 mm diameter.

The 'E' in reference 3970EJ stands for étanche, french for waterproof - referring to both the solid and sapphire screw-down casebacks the watch can be fitted with. The present example is in superb condition, and an excellent addition to a growing watch collection.