PATEK PHILIPPE | REFERENCE 3970JYELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON-PHASES, 24-HOUR AND LEAP-YEAR INDICATIONMADE IN 1987

Dial: silvered Calibre: cal. CH 27-70 Q manual winding, 24 jewels  Movement number: 875'053 Case: 18ct yellow gold, snap-on sapphire crystal display back Case number: 2'824'167  Closure: brown Patek Philippe alligator strap with Patek Philippe 18ct yellow gold pin buckle  Dimensions: 36mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on June 24, 1987, document holder, booklets, setting pin and presentation case with outer packaging

DIAL: dial and hands in excellent condition CASE: in excellent condition with little to no signs of wear. Fluting to the lugs is sharp, hallmarks remain highly legible. Pin buckle in excellent condition. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing, chronograph starts, stops and resets. Perpetual calendar functions are in working order, setting pusher is operational. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**.
"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."

The popular Reference 3970 was produced by Patek Philippe between 1986 and 2004.
During its 18 year run, the model underwent 4 major evolutions, known as series. 
The so-called 'first series', to which the present lot belongs, featured a solid snap-on case back and were made in relatively low numbers. It is thought that only as many as 100 examples of this were ever released, starting with movement number 875000.
The other three series and remaining production are also designated as 3970/E, (E suffix for étanche, or waterproof ) with the screw-down case back.
It is generally accepted that the popularity of the 3970 was down to the well balanced combination of both elegant form, heavily influenced by its predecessor the Reference 2499, and sophisticated function, with the inclusion of the chronograph and perpetual calendar complications. However as such, examples of the earlier Ref. 3970, such as the present model, are significantly rarer and less frequently seen at auction as they were made in much lower numbers.