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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated 11.9.2004 stamped and numbered by Beyer, second solid case back no. 4'197'750, setting pin, leather folder, product literature and fitted presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 2002 and its subsequent sale on 14 January 2003.
Consigned by the original owner and fresh to the market, the present reference 3970 is a fine example of this celebrated model, sporting the rarest white gold case version. The high collectability of this piece is further boosted by the fact that it was retailed by Beyer Chronometrie in Zurich, one of the longest standing and most revered watch retailers worldwide. As a matter of fact, a specific Beyer issue number was given to this watch, finely engraved to the underside of the top left lug. It is worth noting that the number is not only present on the watch, but it is also noted on the Certificate of Origin, handwritten at the very top of the document.
Reference 3970 is the third model of the revered Patek Philippe perpetual chronograph family. It was preceded by legendary references 1518 and 2499 (see lot 308 in this auction), and followed by references 5970 (see lot 309 in this auction) and the current 5270. Produced in the three gold colours and in platinum, the white gold version is the rarest. This reference underwent a few upgrades and modifications over the years. At the beginning, in 1986, it was fitted with a snap on solid (ref. 3970) or glazed (ref. 3971) back. Then a parallel version with screw back, solid or glazed, made its appearance in 1987 and was named 3970E (E for ètanche: waterproof) and 3971 (glazed back). Eventually the two references were merged and reference 3970 was delivered with both glazed and solid screw backs.
The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305.
Consigned by the original owner and fresh to the market, the present reference 3970 is a fine example of this celebrated model, sporting the rarest white gold case version. The high collectability of this piece is further boosted by the fact that it was retailed by Beyer Chronometrie in Zurich, one of the longest standing and most revered watch retailers worldwide. As a matter of fact, a specific Beyer issue number was given to this watch, finely engraved to the underside of the top left lug. It is worth noting that the number is not only present on the watch, but it is also noted on the Certificate of Origin, handwritten at the very top of the document.
Reference 3970 is the third model of the revered Patek Philippe perpetual chronograph family. It was preceded by legendary references 1518 and 2499 (see lot 308 in this auction), and followed by references 5970 (see lot 309 in this auction) and the current 5270. Produced in the three gold colours and in platinum, the white gold version is the rarest. This reference underwent a few upgrades and modifications over the years. At the beginning, in 1986, it was fitted with a snap on solid (ref. 3970) or glazed (ref. 3971) back. Then a parallel version with screw back, solid or glazed, made its appearance in 1987 and was named 3970E (E for ètanche: waterproof) and 3971 (glazed back). Eventually the two references were merged and reference 3970 was delivered with both glazed and solid screw backs.
The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305.