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Lot Essay
Please note that Christie’s has applied for an ‘Extract from the Archives’ from Patek Philippe Archives but the Extract has not yet been issued and may not be available by the date of the auction.
Introduced in 1986, reference 3970 marked the beginning of a new generation of perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches for Patek Philippe, succeeding the highly acclaimed reference 2499, produced in four series between 1951 and 1985. The shift from the Valjoux-based movements that had been in use for more than 50 years to a Lemania-based ébauche that had been thoroughly modified and completed to Patek Philippe's exacting standards was a significant evolution.
Starting with movement number 875'000 and having a solid snap-on caseback, the first series of reference 3970 was manufactured in about 100 pieces. A solid screw-down caseback known as reference 3970E was introduced in the second series.
Launched in 1989, the third series, such as the present example, was fitted with a solid screw-down caseback and additionally supplied with a sapphire crystal display back, offering a view of the finely finished movement. During this stage of production, an estimated 1,350 examples of all metals were produced. The reference continued to be produced until 2004, when reference 5970 took its place.
Today, references 3970 and 3971 are widely regarded as modern classics. They have become indispensable pieces for the avid collector of intricate Patek Philippe wristwatches as they combine technical sophistication, balanced design, and historical significance.
Introduced in 1986, reference 3970 marked the beginning of a new generation of perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatches for Patek Philippe, succeeding the highly acclaimed reference 2499, produced in four series between 1951 and 1985. The shift from the Valjoux-based movements that had been in use for more than 50 years to a Lemania-based ébauche that had been thoroughly modified and completed to Patek Philippe's exacting standards was a significant evolution.
Starting with movement number 875'000 and having a solid snap-on caseback, the first series of reference 3970 was manufactured in about 100 pieces. A solid screw-down caseback known as reference 3970E was introduced in the second series.
Launched in 1989, the third series, such as the present example, was fitted with a solid screw-down caseback and additionally supplied with a sapphire crystal display back, offering a view of the finely finished movement. During this stage of production, an estimated 1,350 examples of all metals were produced. The reference continued to be produced until 2004, when reference 5970 took its place.
Today, references 3970 and 3971 are widely regarded as modern classics. They have become indispensable pieces for the avid collector of intricate Patek Philippe wristwatches as they combine technical sophistication, balanced design, and historical significance.