Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-70Q, manual winding nickel lever movement, 24 jewels • silvered dial, applied baton indexes, platinum feuille hands, three subsidiary dials for 30-minute register combined with leap year, date combined with moon phases, and constant seconds combined with 24-hours, apertures for day and month • platinum case, concave bezel, round chronograph buttons, screw down solid case back • case, dial, and movement signed • platinum Patek Philippe buckle

Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Dial and movement is in good condition. Case in good condition excpet for a few minor scuffs due to wear. 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."

With an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on 12 November 1992, original box, and setting pin.

Ref. 3970 was created following the success of the exceptional and iconic Ref. 2499 (see Lot 312).  The design of the case of Ref. 3970, with its downturned fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by the form of the 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.

Patek Philippe first launched the Ref. 3970 in 1986 with a snap-on case back.  Two years later into production, Patek modified the design to a screw-down water resistant type case back. The Ref. 3970E (for Etanche or water-resistant) was produced in yellow, white, and rose gold, and platinum.

Today, the Ref. 3970 holds an important place within the canon of complicated wristwatches by Patek Philippe, along with its iconic predecessors, the 2499 and 1518. In 2004, Ref. 3970 was replaced by Ref. 5970. This newer model reverted back to the rectangular chronograph buttons last seen on the first series 2499 models, as well as angular lugs. In 2011, Ref. 5970 was replaced by 5270. 

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