Lot Essay
In 1986, Patek Philippe launched a new generation of the perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, designated reference 3970. The timepiece replaced the highly coveted and legendary reference 2499. A notable upgrade to the new reference was the utilization of a Lemania based ébauche, replacing the Valjoux movement used for the previous 50 years.
Starting with movement number 875000, the first series of reference 3970 was produced with a solid snap-on caseback, 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 caseback, designated reference 3971E.
In 1989, a third series of reference 3970 was launched, supplied with both a solid and sapphire caseback. Some of these models were enhanced with diamond hour markers, further adding an elegant spirit to the complicated watch. Manufacturing for reference 3970 ceased in 2004, making way for a much larger successor reference 5970.
While production may have ended nearly twenty years ago, reference 3970EP presents as an opportunity to own a timepiece from Patek Philippe’s legendary perpetual calendar chronograph family for the smaller wrist or classical case size preference at 36mm, compared to the much larger contemporary pieces from the current catalog.
Starting with movement number 875000, the first series of reference 3970 was produced with a solid snap-on caseback, 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 caseback, designated reference 3971E.
In 1989, a third series of reference 3970 was launched, supplied with both a solid and sapphire caseback. Some of these models were enhanced with diamond hour markers, further adding an elegant spirit to the complicated watch. Manufacturing for reference 3970 ceased in 2004, making way for a much larger successor reference 5970.
While production may have ended nearly twenty years ago, reference 3970EP presents as an opportunity to own a timepiece from Patek Philippe’s legendary perpetual calendar chronograph family for the smaller wrist or classical case size preference at 36mm, compared to the much larger contemporary pieces from the current catalog.