169 Patek Philippe An exceptional and higly coveted, perpetual calendar chronograph, moonphases, leap year indicator, wristwatch in platinum, with glossy black dial, Certificate of Origin and solid caseback, reference 3970EP.
Estimate: € 100.000 – 200.000
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| model | Perpetual Calendar Chronograph |
|---|---|
| year | 2004 |
| reference | 3970EP-020 |
| case material | Platinum |
| case number | 4'197'891 |
| bracelet material | Leather strap |
| movement type | Manual, cal. CH 27-70 Q, 24 jewels |
| movement number | 3'047'141 |
| dimension | 36mm Diameter |
| signed | Case, dial and movement |
| accessories | Accompanied by Certificate of Origin dated July 07th, 2004 and stamped René Kern Gmbh, booklet, additional caseback and setting pin. |
There are few references in the modern era of watchmaking that carry the weight and legacy of Patek Philippe’s reference 3970. Launched in 1986, the 3970 was more than just a successor to the revered refs. 1518 and 2499: it was the watch that carried Patek’s perpetual calendar chronograph into a new generation, marrying tradition with modern refinement in a way that resonated immediately with collectors and connoisseurs alike. At its heart lies the caliber CH 27-70Q, based on the storied Lemania 2310 but extensively reworked by Patek Philippe. The result was a movement not only elevated in terms of finishing and chronometric performance, but one that introduced key features: a leap year indicator, a 24-hour subdial, and, for the first time in the lineage, a more compact case—reduced to 36mm—proving that complexity need not compromise elegance. Spanning nearly two decades of production, the 3970 evolved through four distinct series, each marked by subtle but important variations. The present example, a ref. 3970EP-020, belongs to the fourth and final series, and is believed to be among the last produced before the reference was retired in 2004. Cased in platinum, it features the exceedingly rare and desirable glossy black dial with baton markers, a configuration known to collectors by its -020 dial code. Still preserved in impressive condition, this example is offered with its original Certificate of Origin (dated July 2004) and solid platinum caseback. In both condition and configuration, it represents the culmination of the 3970 legacy—a piece that speaks to the end of an era, before the arrival of the 5970, and to the enduring values of balance, discretion, and technical mastery that define Patek Philippe.
Condition Report
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