PATEK PHILIPPE | A YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCHREF 3970E CASE 2919347 MVT 876313 MADE IN 1992

Movement: cal. 27-70Q manual winding lever, 24 jewelsCase: 18k yellow gold, concave bezel, fluted lugs, screw-down sapphire crystal display backDial: silvered, applied gold baton indexesBracelet/clasp/buckle: with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe folding clasp Diameter: 36mmSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives confirming the date of sale on December 18th, 1992, leather folder, booklets, additional 18k yellow gold solid case back, setting pin and presentation case  

DIAL: in very good condition, hands too in good condition. CASE: with some light scuffs throughout consistent with light wear and age. case back retaining protective sticker. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing. Other functions operating. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

Under the direction of Philippe Stern in 1986, Patek Philippe launched the first execution of the Reference 3970. The lineage with the References 1518 and 2499 can easily be noticed. However, the Cal. 27-70 was based on a Lemania ebauche and not on a Valjoux movement anymore. Furthermore, the Manufacture carried on improving the case design which soon benefited from a screw-down back, paving the way for the introduction of ref.3970E (standing for étanche or water-resistant) in 1988. The 3970E was manufactured in yellow, white, rose and yellow gold as well as in platinum. The present ref. 3970 bears a 876.XXX movement number which dates it back to 1995. Delivered with an additional sapphire-display case back, the baton hands and lapidated indexes further qualify it as a third series example.

This piece, consigned by the family of the original owner, has been preserved in excellent condition, with well-defined stepped lugs and is accompanied by a most complete set. 

Similarly to its famed predecessors, the 3970E is widely appreciated by all collectors alike for its wearable proportions and the quality of its complicated movement. In 2004, Patek Philippe launched its successor, the ref. 5970, designed by Thierry Stern moments before his father handed him the reigns of the company.