39 Patek Philippe Superb, Impressive and Extremely Sought After, Perpetual Calendar, Minute Repeater, Moon Phase, Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Certificate of Origin, Solid Case Back and Additional Dial, Reference 3974J

Estimate: € 400,000 –⁠ 800,000

Sold € 669,500

Model: Perpetual Calendar Minute Repeater
Reference: 3974J
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1989
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 27RQ
Case N°: 2865063
Movement N°: 1 906 008
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Certificate of Origin, Service, Solid Case Back, Additional Dial, Setting Pin and Original Box

One of the most important watches ever made in series by Patek Philippe, reference 3974 was launched in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe’s 150th anniversary, at the time not only the firm’s but also one of the world’s most complicated wristwatch. With a production that spanned around 11 years, research has revealed that only around 160 examples of reference 3974 were ever made making it a real trophy for all avid collectors of Grande Complication Patek Philippe. Furthermore, the reference bears something collectors are extremely fond of: “JPH” inscription on the case indicating that early examples of the reference featured cases made by the revered Mr. Jean-Pierre Hagmann, regarded by many as one of the legendary master casemakers in recent times. The present example is cased in yellow gold and has been preserved in exceptional conditions during these years: the circular case with round bezel and stepped lugs is exceptional, with the sliding pusher for the minute repeater on the side that confers motion and rhythm to the whole watch. The ingenious calibre 27 RQ, shown by the sapphire case back, impresses not only by its remarkable number of 467 parts but also by Patek Philippe’s masterly performance of combining a 22K micro-rotor, minute repeating, perpetual calendar, 24-hour indication and phases of the moon mechanisms in a proportionally small 12 1/2“' movement. Reference 3974 is definitely a milestone in the history of “grand complication” timepieces with its highly legible perpetual calendar indications and with only an estimated fewer than 30 examples in yellow gold to have appeared in the market. The present specimen accompanied by its original additional solid case back, Patek Philippe certificate of origin and additional black dial with white Roman numerals, is truly a rare opportunity for esteemed collectors of fine timepieces to acquire one of the most important modern Patek Philippe references.