The GOAT Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady
The GOAT Collection: Watches & Treasures from Tom Brady
Patek Philippe
Reference 3970 'First Series' | A yellow gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, The second example ever produced numbered 875’001, Owned and Worn by Tom Brady, Made in 1986
Live auction begins in:
12:30:14
•
December 11, 12:30 AM GMT
Estimate
150,000 - 300,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: silvered, first series
Caliber: cal. CH 27-70 Q mechanical, 24 jewels
Movement number: 875’001
Case: 18k yellow gold, snap on caseback
Case number: 2’824’131
Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
Size: 36 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial, and movement
Box: yes
Papers: no
Accessories: Patek Philippe presentation box with outer packaging, two Extracts from the Archives confirming the year of manufacture in 1986 and date of sale on 7 January 1987, leather bi-fold, operating instructions, and setting pin
Introduced in 1986, the reference 3970 was Patek Philippe’s third perpetual calendar chronograph made in series, and the successor to the iconic 2499. Produced for nearly two decades, this model was available in white, yellow, and rose gold, as well as platinum, with various dial configurations. A notable distinction from its predecessor is the slightly smaller 36mm case and the addition of a leap year indicator, making it the first perpetual calendar chronograph to include this feature.
This particular example belongs to the first series, produced between 1986 and 1987, with fewer than 100 pieces ever made before the transition to the second series. It is characterized by a snap-back case, unlike the screw-back case seen in the later series. Scholars believe that the first piece had the movement number 875’000, suggesting that this one, numbered 875,001, would be the second example ever produced. The watch is further accompanied by an Extract from the Archives, confirming its year of manufacture in 1986. As one of Patek Philippe's most iconic models, it's no surprise that it eventually graced the wrist of Tom Brady.