Patek Philippe

• cal 27-70Q manual winding nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 24 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and eight positions • silvered dial, applied gold bullet and square indexes, apertures for day and month, three subsidiary dials, the first and the third engine-turned, indicating constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap year indicator and date combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases • 18k yellow gold circular case, concave bezel, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant buckle

The movement is running, however we recommend service soon. The dial is in nice condition with only a few light spots and some dirt throughout. The case shows general wear and very light polishing. The side of the lugs are all stamped with gold stamps or maker's key stamps and these are nice and clear. The inside of the glazed back has an engraved number and no gold stamp. Overall the watch is very nice and collectible. The strap of this watch contains 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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1990 and sale on July 22nd of that year. Together with a setting pin, wooden presentation box and outer packaging.

Patek Philippe launched Ref. 3970 and Ref. 3971 in 1986. The latter model had the same complications and design, but featured a sapphire crystal display snap back rather than of a solid snap back.

After two years of production, the original design, sometimes referred to as the first series 3970, was modified to a screw-down case back for both solid backs and sapphire crystal backs. These water-resistant models were designated Ref. 3970E and Ref. 3971E, with the suffix indicating étanche, or waterproof. These pieces are known as the second series.

Patek Philippe ended production of the Ref. 3971E  in 1990. The following series of Ref. 3970, known as the third series, would be sold with two case backs, one display and one solid case, thereby giving the client the option of interchanging them.

As the present model is a Ref. 3971E, it was sold only with its present screw-down display back.

Refs. 3970 and 3971 were created following the success of the exceptional and iconic Ref. 2499. One main difference between these models and their predecessors is the addition of the leap year indicator to the 3 o'clock subsidiary dial and 24-hour indicator to the 9 o'clock subsidiary dial. The design of the cases on these later models, with downturned, fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by the form of Ref. 2499. For an example of Ref. 2499, see lot 169 in this sale.

Ref. 3970 is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. II, Second Edition, p. 305.