百達翡麗（Patek Philippe）

• 手動上弦擒縱機芯27-70，印有日內瓦印記，24顆寶石 • 銀面錶盤，立體方形及條狀時標，小錶盤顯示秒數及24小時、30分鐘計時及閏年、日期及月相視窗，星期及月份雙視窗，外環分鐘及五分之一秒細分刻度 • 18k黃金錶殼，階梯式彎形錶耳，旋入式藍寶石水晶背透蓋 • 錶殼、錶盤及機芯印有品牌標誌 • 備百達翡麗18k黃金錶扣
* 拍品資料以英文圖錄為準。

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be required.The movement and chronograph running at the time of cataloguing, please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.Dial in very good condition. Case with fine scuffing, few dents, consistent with use, has been polished, clear hallmarks.
"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 the unprecedented series of Patek Philippe ‘Grande Complication’ models featuring a perpetual calendar chronograph and moon phases, reference 3970 replaced, after 50 years, the acclaimed reference 2499 as of 1986. It was characterised mainly by the new ‘Lemania’ based movement. It was initially fitted with a solid snap-on (hyphen added) case back however soon followed by a solid screw back, which made it waterproof. The model was to be referenced 3970E (‘E’ referring to the french word ‘étanche’ – meaning waterproof). Subsequently, a model with a sapphire screw back was launched, reference 3971E. This corresponds to the present model, and can be counted among the most important pieces for significant collector’s wristwatches.