- 26
Patek Philippe
Description
- A RARE 18K YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH SNAP-ON SAPPHIRE CRYSTAL DISPLAY BACK1986 REF 3971EJ FIRST SERIES MVT 875071 CASE 2824133
- 18K YELLOW GOLD
- diameter 36 mm
Provenance
Condition
"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."
Catalogue Note
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.