Patek Philippe

• cal. R27Q automatic nickel lever movement, 39 jewels, two polished hammers on two gongs, 22k gold mini-rotor • opaline silvered dial with applied yellow gold baton indexes, three subsidiary dials indicating day with 24-hour indication, month with leap-year indication and date with aperture for moon-phases • 18k yellow gold circular case with stepped bezel and lugs, minute repeating mechanism operated by a slide in the band, snap-on case back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle 

Movement and all pushers are in working order when cataloguing. The striking sound is very harmonized and crisp with even pace. Dial is clean and intact, the index 8 has very slight signs of discoloration but can be easily clean. Case with very superficial surface scuffs. Crisp hallmark with no signs of any polishing. The watch is very well preserved. This is a highly recommended rare timepiece. Collectible item! Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. **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, an Extract from the Archives confirming sale on April 16th, 1991 and instruction manual.

Launched in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe’s 150th anniversary, the reference 3974 is arguably one of the most important wristwatches ever made by the company. Featuring minute repeater and perpetual calendar functions with 24hr indicator and wound automatically via a 22k gold rotor, the wristwatch was the most complicated manufactured for the era.

The self-winding movement, Cal. R 27 Q, is comprised of 467 parts within a diameter of just 28mm and thickness of only 7mm, demonstrating the technical achievements of Patek Philippe workshops through the miniaturization of the complications while creating a pure, crisp, tone of the repeater that the company is now famous for. The case was made by the famous casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann of Geneva who specializes in manufacturing high quality custom-made watch cases.  He works with many of the world’s most famous watch brands including Patek Philppe to whom he supplied cases for models of the Grand Complications especially with minute repeaters such as reference 3974, 3979 and 5029.  The hallmark JPH  is stamped on the back of the right lower lug.  Available in 18k yellow, pink, white gold and platinum, manufacture of the Ref.3974 ceased in 2002 with a total production believed to be no more than 100-120 examples in all metals. 

Reference 3974 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 325.