Patek Philippe
Reference 3970EP-032 | A platinum perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phases, leap year and 24-hour indication | Circa 2003
Auction Closed
May 10, 02:36 PM GMT
Estimate
100,000 - 200,000 CHF
Lot Details
Description
Dial: silvered
Calibre: cal. 27-70 manual winding, 24 jewels
Movement number: 3'046'896
Case: platinum, screw-down sapphire crystal display case back
Case number: 4'197'873
Closure: platinum Patek Philippe folding clasp
Size: 36 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, service invoice dated March 2004, service tag, instruction manual, leather bifold, additional diamond-set black dial accompanied by its set of hands, setting pin, screw-down solid platinum case back and presentation box with outer packaging
Please note the leather strap derived from endangered species is for display purposes only and is not sold with the watch. The watch will be shipped with a Sotheby’s branded calf leather strap.
Introduced in 1986, the reference 3970 by Patek Philippe succeeded the legendary references 1518 and 2499 as the manufacture’s third serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph. Produced until 2004 across four series and various metals, it marked an important evolution of the lineage, notably introducing a leap year indication and a 24 hour display for the first time.
Powered by the calibre CH 27-70Q, based on the renowned Lemania 2310 and extensively reworked to Patek Philippe’s exacting standards, the reference combines technical sophistication with refined proportions. At 36 mm, it is slightly more compact than its predecessor, offering a balanced and elegant wrist presence.
The present reference 3970EP, with the “E” denoting its waterproof construction, features a screw down case and sapphire display back, characteristic of the later series. Housed in a platinum case with elegantly curved lugs recalling the finest examples of the 2499, it is fitted with a refined silvered dial and accompanied by an additional black dial with diamond set indexes, allowing for a more distinctive configuration.
Preserved in excellent overall condition and accompanied by its full set of accessories as delivered in 2003, this example represents a highly attractive and versatile iteration of one of Patek Philippe’s most celebrated complications.