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Lot Essay
US$100,000-150,000
This watch is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch in 1986 and its subsequent sale on 2 December 1986, a solid snap on case back and adjustment tool.
In 1986, Patek Philippe launched a new generation of the perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, designated Ref. 3970, which was to replace the hugely successful Ref. 2499 that had been produced in four different series from 1951 to 1985. The birth of the equally successful Ref 3970 was thus begun and takes its part as a legendary reference number and one which universally brought the "complicated" watch within reach to many collectors around the world.
The production of the Ref. 3970 commenced in very small numbers, and predominantly made in yellow gold. The first series was produced in less than 100 pieces worldwide and the therefore can be determined as very rare. This first series started with the movement number of 875'000 and came with a solid snap-on back, like its predecessor reference 2499.
The present watch being offered for sale has the movement number of 875'018 suggesting that this was the nineteenth example of the Ref. 3970 ever made. One most unusual aspect of this watch is in the form of the additional glazed snap-on back that accompanied the watch at the time of purchase in 1986. Numbered inside the rim of the snap-on back and with the identical case numbers as the solid back, it is clearly stamped Ref. 3971. This watch could thus be considered a precursor of the Ref. 3971 which was formally unveiled only later with a new glazed screw-on back.
The second series of the 3970 comes with a screw-on solid back but with the identical 36mm case. The third and fourth series was much more widely produced. So as not to confuse customers with the different reference numbers and due to the popularity of the screw-on display back, Patek Philippe reverted back to the Ref. 3970 and added the letter "E" after the reference, referring to the French word etanche for waterproof. All models then came with two backs, both the solid and glazed versions. This series is by far the most common. Patek Philippe ceased production of the Ref. 3970E in 2005, establishing this relatively recent model as a modern classic.
For other examples of the Ref. 3970 in yellow gold, white gold and platinum in this auction, please see the following lots 2153, 2189, 2190 and 2192.
This watch is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch in 1986 and its subsequent sale on 2 December 1986, a solid snap on case back and adjustment tool.
In 1986, Patek Philippe launched a new generation of the perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch, designated Ref. 3970, which was to replace the hugely successful Ref. 2499 that had been produced in four different series from 1951 to 1985. The birth of the equally successful Ref 3970 was thus begun and takes its part as a legendary reference number and one which universally brought the "complicated" watch within reach to many collectors around the world.
The production of the Ref. 3970 commenced in very small numbers, and predominantly made in yellow gold. The first series was produced in less than 100 pieces worldwide and the therefore can be determined as very rare. This first series started with the movement number of 875'000 and came with a solid snap-on back, like its predecessor reference 2499.
The present watch being offered for sale has the movement number of 875'018 suggesting that this was the nineteenth example of the Ref. 3970 ever made. One most unusual aspect of this watch is in the form of the additional glazed snap-on back that accompanied the watch at the time of purchase in 1986. Numbered inside the rim of the snap-on back and with the identical case numbers as the solid back, it is clearly stamped Ref. 3971. This watch could thus be considered a precursor of the Ref. 3971 which was formally unveiled only later with a new glazed screw-on back.
The second series of the 3970 comes with a screw-on solid back but with the identical 36mm case. The third and fourth series was much more widely produced. So as not to confuse customers with the different reference numbers and due to the popularity of the screw-on display back, Patek Philippe reverted back to the Ref. 3970 and added the letter "E" after the reference, referring to the French word etanche for waterproof. All models then came with two backs, both the solid and glazed versions. This series is by far the most common. Patek Philippe ceased production of the Ref. 3970E in 2005, establishing this relatively recent model as a modern classic.
For other examples of the Ref. 3970 in yellow gold, white gold and platinum in this auction, please see the following lots 2153, 2189, 2190 and 2192.