Patek Philippe

• cal. 27-70 nickel lever movement stamped with the Seal of Geneva, 24 jewels, Gyromax balance • silvered dial, applied gold baton indexes, outer minute track with 1/5 seconds division, subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap year indication and date combined with moon phases, twin apertures at 12 for day and month • 18k yellow gold case, screw down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe folding clasp

Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. all functions work properly. Watch in overall excellent condition. Dial in excellent condition. Case in very good condition with minor scuffs to the lugs. 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.
"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."

Accompanied by a spare solid case back, setting pin, presentation box, Certificate of Origin, instruction manual and 2 booklets. Also with an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on November 6th, 2003. 

Ref. 3970 was created following the success of the exceptional and iconic Ref. 2499. The design of the case of Ref. 3970, with its down-turned, 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 into production, Patek Philippe modified the design to a screw-down water resistant type case back. The present lot is a Ref. 3970E (E for Etanche or water-resistant) which was produced in yellow, white, rose gold, and platinum. Production continued until 2004. Over the course of its production, the model underwent subtle design updates. The present example belongs to the fourth series of the model.     

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