Patek Philippe

• cal 27-70Q manual winding movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 24 jewels • silvered dial, apertures for day and month, three subsidiary dials 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 • concave bezel, screw-down case back • case, dial and movement signed • platinum Patek Philippe buckle • Extract from the Archives confirming sale 27 May 1993, box, packaging

The movement is running, and the calendar correctors and chronograph are functioning at the time of cataloguing, however it may require service soon. The dial is very clean to the naked eye, however under magnification and strong lighting, one can see some very faint and small spots around the central arbor. The case is unpolished and shows some surface scuffs from light to moderate/light wear. The strap contains endangered species; please see 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."

Patek Philippe launched Ref. 3970 in 1986 and two years into production, modified the design to a screw-down case back and continued production for approximately two years. This water-resistant model was designated 3970E, with the suffix indicating étanche, or waterproof. Production of the model ended in 2004.

Ref. 3970 was created following the success of the exceptional and iconic Ref. 2499. One main difference between the two models 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 case of Ref. 3970, with its downturned, fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by the form of Ref. 2499. For an example of Ref. 2499, see lot 195.

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