Fine Watches
Fine Watches
Patek Philippe
Reference 3970EP-020 | A platinum perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, Circa 2004
Auction Closed
March 7, 07:13 PM GMT
Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Reference 3970EP-020
A platinum perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, Circa 2004
Dial: black
Caliber: cal. 27-70Q mechanical, 24 jewels
Movement number: 3’047’160
Case: platinum, screw down sapphire crystal display back
Case number: 4’253’563
Closure: platinum Patek Philippe folding buckle
Size: 36 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Patek Philippe presentation box with outer packaging, Certificate of Origin dated July 2004, leather bi-fold, booklets, an additional sealed solid case back, and an associated pink gold setting pin
Patek Philippe first launched the Reference 3970 in 1986, following the success of the exceptional and iconic Reference 2499. The design of the case of the reference 3970, with its down-turned fluted lugs, and pump pushers are clearly influenced by the form of the 2499. Reference 3970 replaced the Valjoux movement of its predecessors with a heavily modified Lemania 2310 ébauche called CH 27-70Q. Furthermore, two new indications were added to reference 3970: the leap year indicator to the 3 o'clock subsidiary dial and 24-hour indicator to the 9 o'clock subsidiary dial.
The reference 3970E (E for Etanche or water-resistant) was produced in yellow, white, and pink gold, and platinum. The platinum version was offered with three different dial choices: silvered with batons, black with batons, and black with diamonds. The present lot, cased in platinum, is offered with a black dial and baton hour markers.
Additionally, this example is offered with its full suite of accessories including both its sapphire case back and solid numbered platinum case back.