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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with platinum bracelet in 1993 and its subsequent sale on 23 July 1993.
The present reference 3970/2 in platinum is a highly collectable timepiece within the model's overall production.
Consigned by a distinguished collector, the present watch impresses by its very good overall condition, displaying strong hallmarks. Examples preserved in such unmolested condition are hard finds. Furthermore, and according to our research, the present lot is only the second 3970/2 in platinum to come up for auction in the last nearly twenty years and consequently is an extremely rare specimen for the discerning collector.
Reference 3970 was launched in 1986 and was fitted with a snap on case back. Around 1988, the model was modified to a water-resistant version with screw back, such as the present example. In 2004, reference 3970 was replaced by reference 5970. The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305.
The present reference 3970/2 in platinum is a highly collectable timepiece within the model's overall production.
Consigned by a distinguished collector, the present watch impresses by its very good overall condition, displaying strong hallmarks. Examples preserved in such unmolested condition are hard finds. Furthermore, and according to our research, the present lot is only the second 3970/2 in platinum to come up for auction in the last nearly twenty years and consequently is an extremely rare specimen for the discerning collector.
Reference 3970 was launched in 1986 and was fitted with a snap on case back. Around 1988, the model was modified to a water-resistant version with screw back, such as the present example. In 2004, reference 3970 was replaced by reference 5970. The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305.