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Lot Essay
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch with black dial and diamond indices in 1993 and its subsequent sale on 22 December 1993. Furthermore delivered with spare solid screw back, 18K white gold and black wooden pin, as well as original Patek Philippe veneered presentation box and outer packaging.
A grandchild of Patek Philippe's iconic reference 1518 and successor of the equally renowned reference 2499, the present platinum reference 3970E is a highly collectible timepiece. With its elegant black dial adorned with eleven diamonds, the watch further attracts by it very good overall condition with sharp platinum marks to the sides of the upper left and lower right lugs, as well as intact correctors and pushers. Boasting both a solid platinum back as well as a platinum sapphire crystal back, the latter allowing the viewer unobstructed observation of the mechanism, this perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch is, in fact, and as is the case with all third series watches of this reference, a reference called 3970E. The letter E stands for the French word "étanche" or "water-resistant". It is rare to come across such a fine third-series specimen and an excellent opportunity for any collector to invest in a classic. The inside rim of the sapphire crystal back carries the engraved reference 3970, as well as the movement and case numbers. Meanwhile, the solid back still retains its protective blue covering, proof that the watch has never been used, and is engraved with the reference number 3970E and the case number.
Reference 3970 was in production from 1986 until 2004 when it was replaced by reference 5970. The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305.
A grandchild of Patek Philippe's iconic reference 1518 and successor of the equally renowned reference 2499, the present platinum reference 3970E is a highly collectible timepiece. With its elegant black dial adorned with eleven diamonds, the watch further attracts by it very good overall condition with sharp platinum marks to the sides of the upper left and lower right lugs, as well as intact correctors and pushers. Boasting both a solid platinum back as well as a platinum sapphire crystal back, the latter allowing the viewer unobstructed observation of the mechanism, this perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch is, in fact, and as is the case with all third series watches of this reference, a reference called 3970E. The letter E stands for the French word "étanche" or "water-resistant". It is rare to come across such a fine third-series specimen and an excellent opportunity for any collector to invest in a classic. The inside rim of the sapphire crystal back carries the engraved reference 3970, as well as the movement and case numbers. Meanwhile, the solid back still retains its protective blue covering, proof that the watch has never been used, and is engraved with the reference number 3970E and the case number.
Reference 3970 was in production from 1986 until 2004 when it was replaced by reference 5970. The model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305.