PATEK PHILIPPE. A VERY FINE AND RARE PLATINUM AND DIAMOND-SET PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES, 24 HOUR AND LEAP YEAR INDICATION

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In 1986, Patek Philippe launched a new generation of the perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, designated reference 3970, replacing the hugely successful reference 2499 in production in four different series from 1951 to 1985. The main difference in the movement was the arrival of the new Lemania based ébauche which replaced the Valjoux movement used for the previous 50 years. Starting with movement number 875'000, the first series of reference 3970 was produced with a solid snap on back, comprising approximately 100 examples. The second series introduced a solid screw back, designated reference 3970E (E for étanche, French for waterproof). A small number of watches from both series were also available with a sapphire crystal back, designated reference 3971E. In 1989, a third series of ref. 3970E was launched, fitted with a solid screw back as well as an additional sapphire crystal display screw back. Reference 3970E was discontinued in 2004 and replaced by reference 5970. While production of the reference 3970/3971 may have ended only thirteen years ago, these modern yet classic perpetual calendar chronographs have become a must-have for the discerning collector of complicated wristwatches. We are honored to present 3 pieces of third series 3970E in platinum, 18k white gold and pink gold in the same sale. (For an example for 18k white gold and pink gold of 3970E, please see lot 2501 and 2502 correspondingly in this sale)THE PROPERTY OF AN IMPORTANT ITALIAN PRIVATE COLLECTOR

PATEK PHILIPPE. A VERY FINE AND RARE PLATINUM AND DIAMOND-SET PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES, 24 HOUR AND LEAP YEAR INDICATION

SINGED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, REF. 3970E, MOVEMENT NO. 876'331, CASE NO. 2'919'415, MANUFACTURED IN 1992

Details

PATEK PHILIPPE. A VERY FINE AND RARE PLATINUM AND DIAMOND-SET PERPETUAL CALENDAR CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH MOON PHASES, 24 HOUR AND LEAP YEAR INDICATION
SINGED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, REF. 3970E, MOVEMENT NO. 876'331, CASE NO. 2'919'415, MANUFACTURED IN 1992
Movement: Cal. CH 27-70 Q, manual, 24 jewels, Geneva seal, signed
Dial: Diamond-set numerals, signed
Case: Screw back, 36 mm. diam., signed
With: Platinum Patek Philippe buckle, Certificate of Origin dated 2 March 1993, Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1992 and its subsequent sale on 20 January 1993, setting pin, product literature and presentation box

Special Notice

> Some watches are pictured with straps made of endangered or protected animal materials such as alligator or crocodile. These endangered species straps are shown for display purposes only and are not for sale. Christie’s will remove and retain the strap prior to shipment from the sale site. At some sale sites, Christie’s may, at its discretion, make the displayed endangered species strap available to the buyer of the lot free of charge if collected in person from the sale site within 1 year of the date of the sale. Please check with the department for details on a particular lot. > Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory, tortoiseshell and crocodile. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Further Details

The present example offered here is fresh to the market.

Brought to you by

Wing Wan

wywan@christies.com +852 2978 9920

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