141 Patek Philippe A highly desirable and well preserved, Chronograph Perpetual Calendar, manual wristwatch in yellow gold, with Patek Philippe gold bracelet, Certificate and box, reference 3970E.
Estimate: € 180.000 – 360.000
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- Model Chronograph Perpetual Calendar
- Year 1990
- Reference 3970E
- Case Material 18K yellow gold
- Case Number 2'860'497
- Bracelet Material Leather strap
- Movement Manual, cal. 27-70 Q, 24 jewels
- Movement Number 875'545
- Dimension 36mm Diameter
- Signed Case, dial and movement
- Accessories Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated May 1990, leather wallet, setting pin, fitted presentation box and Patek Philippe yellow gold bracelet.
Introduced in 1986 as the successor to the legendary Reference 2499, Reference 3970 represents one of the most significant chapters in Patek Philippe’s history of perpetual calendar chronographs. Its proportions were notably more compact than those of its predecessor, with a case measuring approximately 36 mm. Produced in approximately 4,000 examples, the reference is traditionally divided into four series. The 3970 is powered by the celebrated Lemania 2310 ébauche, extensively modified and finished by Patek Philippe as calibre CH 27-70 Q. The first series, produced in approximately 100 examples exclusively in yellow gold, is the rarest and features a snap-on caseback, feuille hands, and applied baton indexes. The second series, introduced in 1987 and produced until 1990, became the 3970E, with “E” standing for Étanche, referring to its screw-down caseback and improved water resistance. It was produced in yellow, white and pink gold, as well as platinum, with approximately 650 examples, making it the second-rarest series. The present example, dating from 1990 and cased in 18K yellow gold, is preserved in excellent condition and is fitted with its solid caseback. At this time, the 3970 was produced alongside Reference 3971, its counterpart fitted with a sapphire display back. Following the discontinuation of the 3971 in 1990, the 3970 was subsequently supplied with both solid and sapphire casebacks.The watch is further fitted with an 18K yellow-gold Patek Philippe bracelet, added at a later date. While not originally fitted to the watch, the bracelet is an original Patek Philippe accessory, adding further appeal and versatility to this exceptional example.
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GENEVA
Eternity Gallery Geneva, 19 Place de Longemalle
HONG KONG
Opera Gallery Hong Kong, 1 Duddell Street, Unit 01, 11/F, Central
MILANO
Portrait Milano Hotel, Corso Venezia, 11
BOLOGNA
Time on Show Bologna, Viale della Fiera, 20