Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-70Q nickel lever movement stamped with Geneva seal, 24 jewels, Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions • two-toned silvered dial, subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds combined with 24 hours, 30 minute register combined with leap year indication, and moon-phases combined with date, apertures for day and month, baton indexes, feuille hands • circular case, round chronograph buttons, snap-on sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Reginal H. Fullerton, Jr.

The movement is running and the calendar and chronograph functions are working properly when cataloguing, however it may require service soon. The dial is clean and shows no visible imperfections. It is interesting to note that the dial features the early and very collectible two-tone first series 3970/1 dial. The case shows some minor scuffs from light wear with a more visible scuff to the side of the upper right lug and a clear gold mark to the back of the upper right and lower left lugs. The fluting of the lugs is overall well defined with some sympathetic polishing to the upper right lug. The strap of this watch 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."

Accompanied by the Certificate of Origin, additional Patek Philippe strap, a 1987 Patek Philippe Instruction and informational brochure, original wooden, folder with additional product literature, presentation box and outer card packaging. Also with Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture in 1986 and subsequent sale on September 21st, 1987.

Purchased by Mr. Fullerton in 1988.

The presently offered Ref. 3971 is from the first series of the model, distinguished by a snap-on sapphire crystal display back rather than a screw back. The present lot is thought to be the ninth piece from the first series of 100 examples.

Patek Philippe launched reference 3970 and 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 reference 3970E and reference 3971E, with the suffix indicating étanche, or waterproof. 

The design of the cases on these later models, with downturned, fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by the form of reference 2499. For an example of reference 2499, see lot 25 in this sale. The reference 3970 is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. II, Second Edition, p. 305.