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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped by Swiss retailer Chronometrie Beyer and Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1992 and its subsequent sale on 15 September 1992. The watch is further accompanied by a fitted wooden presentation box and outer packaging.
The present watch immediately strikes as being different. Upon first glance, the observer will notice the pink gold crown and chronograph buttons contrasting with the platinum case. The black dial with its diamond indexes further accentuates this difference. It is also clear that pink gold hands have been applied to round up the overall impression of exclusivity.
It is highly unusual to find a Patek Philippe chronograph model using both platinum and pink gold as case material and the present combination has clearly been made upon special request. It is evident that this reference 3970E has been customized outside both the Patek Philippe workshops and the Swiss retailer Beyer. The watch originally left the factory with a silvered dial and applied white gold indexes as stated on the Extract. The dial was later exchanged for the present one with black dial and diamond-set indexes, though this has been endorsed by neither the manufacturer nor the retailer. This is a chance to acquire a classic watch that is not of standard production and, moreover, boasts its Certificate of Origin and box. However, please note that the original Certificate was also amended later by the addition of the typed words in French "black (dial) hour (markers) diamonds." The certificate also carries the retailer's inventory number for the watch "245474" written in green ink on the top. This number has also been hand-engraved on the underside of the upper left lug.
The exclusivity of the watch is further enhanced by the signature of one of Switzerland's best known retailers, Beyer. Discreetly set onto the cloud-shaped part of the moon phases, the name has a reddish glimmer, perfectly harmonizing with the rest of the watch.
Ref. 3970
Reference 3970 was launched in 1986 and was originally made with a snap on back. About two years later, Patek Philippe decided to use a screw back, making it a reference 3970E. The letter E is short for the French word "étanche" or "water-resistant". A successor of Patek Philippe's iconic reference 2499, it was replaced in 2004 by reference 5970.
The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305.
Beyer Chronometrie Zurich
Established in 1760, the prestigious firm has since its foundation always been passed down from father to son, each a fully trained watchmaker. Beyer Chronometrie was the first shop in Switzerland specializing exclusively in watches, clocks and jewellery and has enjoyed a long term relationship with Patek Philippe for over 165 years. The firm is currently managed by René Beyer who represents the seventh generation of the Beyer family.
The company also owns the renowned Clock and Watch Museum Beyer Zurich, one of the world's most important horological collections. It comprises some 500 pieces dating from 1400 BC to the present day.
The present watch immediately strikes as being different. Upon first glance, the observer will notice the pink gold crown and chronograph buttons contrasting with the platinum case. The black dial with its diamond indexes further accentuates this difference. It is also clear that pink gold hands have been applied to round up the overall impression of exclusivity.
It is highly unusual to find a Patek Philippe chronograph model using both platinum and pink gold as case material and the present combination has clearly been made upon special request. It is evident that this reference 3970E has been customized outside both the Patek Philippe workshops and the Swiss retailer Beyer. The watch originally left the factory with a silvered dial and applied white gold indexes as stated on the Extract. The dial was later exchanged for the present one with black dial and diamond-set indexes, though this has been endorsed by neither the manufacturer nor the retailer. This is a chance to acquire a classic watch that is not of standard production and, moreover, boasts its Certificate of Origin and box. However, please note that the original Certificate was also amended later by the addition of the typed words in French "black (dial) hour (markers) diamonds." The certificate also carries the retailer's inventory number for the watch "245474" written in green ink on the top. This number has also been hand-engraved on the underside of the upper left lug.
The exclusivity of the watch is further enhanced by the signature of one of Switzerland's best known retailers, Beyer. Discreetly set onto the cloud-shaped part of the moon phases, the name has a reddish glimmer, perfectly harmonizing with the rest of the watch.
Ref. 3970
Reference 3970 was launched in 1986 and was originally made with a snap on back. About two years later, Patek Philippe decided to use a screw back, making it a reference 3970E. The letter E is short for the French word "étanche" or "water-resistant". A successor of Patek Philippe's iconic reference 2499, it was replaced in 2004 by reference 5970.
The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305.
Beyer Chronometrie Zurich
Established in 1760, the prestigious firm has since its foundation always been passed down from father to son, each a fully trained watchmaker. Beyer Chronometrie was the first shop in Switzerland specializing exclusively in watches, clocks and jewellery and has enjoyed a long term relationship with Patek Philippe for over 165 years. The firm is currently managed by René Beyer who represents the seventh generation of the Beyer family.
The company also owns the renowned Clock and Watch Museum Beyer Zurich, one of the world's most important horological collections. It comprises some 500 pieces dating from 1400 BC to the present day.