PATEK PHILIPPE | REFERENCE 3970/E A YELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES, 24 HOURS AND LEAP YEAR INDICATION, MADE IN 1991

Dial: silvered Calibre: cal. 27-70Q mechanical, 24 jewels Movement number: 875'964 Case: 18k yellow gold, screw down case back Case number: 2'873'896 Closure: black Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k yellow gold buckle Size: 36 mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, additional case back, setting pin, instruction manual and presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with Opaline silvered dial, yellow gold sword-shaped indexes in 1991 and its subsequent sale on 29 November 1991

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The perpetual calendar and chronograph functions are working properly. The dial with slightly oxidization towards the 24 hours register counter at 9 o'clock. The case with extremely minor signs of wear, hardly visible with the naked eyes. The lugs with very sharp fluting and with very crisp hallmarks that can be easily seen with the naked eye. Otherwise the watch is in excellent overall condition. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

Patek Philippe launched the model reference 3970 in 1986 and continued its production for approximately two years, featuring a solid snap on case back. It was replaced by the reference 3970E, which has a different screw down case back, with the suffix indicating étanche, meaning waterproof. This screw back model ceased production in 2004.