Patek Philippe

• cal. CH 27-70 Q manual winding movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 24 jewels, Gyromax balance • silvered matte dial, applied faceted baton and square indexes, apertures for day and month, 3 subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register with leap year indicator and date with moon-phases • 18k white gold polished case, concave bezel, round chronograph buttons to the band, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe folding clasp

Movement and calendar functions are in working order while cataloguing, however the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. Dial is clean and intact. Case with faint surface scuffs throughout, a few light surface hairline near the lugs. Buckle with moderate surface wear. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an 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."

With a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, instruction manual, interchangeable 18k white gold plain case back, setting pin, a presentation case with outer packaging and an Extract from the Archives confirming sale on September 5th, 2000.

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 model was available in yellow, white, pink gold and platinum. Production evolved into 4 series with the following characteristics:

- 1st series: snap-on solid case back, gold applied baton hour markers, feuille hands
- 2nd series: screw-down solid case back, gold applied baton hour markers, feuille hands
- 3rd series: screw-down solid case back and sapphire crystal display back, applied lapidated hour markers, baton hands
- 4th series: same characteristics as 3rd series but with modified serial numbers and folding buckles

The present example belongs to the fourth and final series. Production of the model ceased in 2004 and was replaced by the reference 5970.

Reference 3970 is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, p. 305.