Footnotes

• 百達翡麗 18K玫瑰金男裝萬年曆月相手動上弦計時碼表 售於1991年
  
  Patek Philippe commenced production of the modern classic perpetual calendar chronograph Ref:3970 in 1986, as a successor to the much lauded Ref:2499. Ref:3970 comprises a total of four series, which were created in succession until 2004. Less than 100 pieces were produced of the 1st series. Beginning with the movement number 875000, these were chiefly produced in yellow gold with a solid snap-on back. The 2nd series, which was made between 1989 and 1996, also had a 36 mm sized case, applied gold baton hour markers but a screw down case back. The third series provided the option of solid or sapphire crystal screw-down case backs and the letter 'E' after the reference, signifying the French word étanche for waterproof. The 4th and final series, such as this present lot, was similar to the 3rd, but with deployant clasps and seven digit movement numbers beginning with 304. The earliest examples of the first series of Ref. 3970 had a gold bracelet fixed to the traditional case, such as found in this example; subsequently a detachable bracelet was used. Whilst the earlier pieces had feuille hands, the later ones had bâton hands although the exact date of this change is undetermined. Although the same calibre is used for the entire reference, it is generally acknowledged that the earlier serial numbers are more desirable. Production of Ref:3970 ceased in 2005 and it was the inspiration for the Ref:5970.
  
  The 3970/2 is extremely rare and to our knowledge, less than five examples in rose gold have appeared on the auction market. Reference 3970/2 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by O. Patrizzi, Vol. II, Plate 1129.

Auction Notices

• Please note that this present lot is from Series 2.

Category: Clocks and Watches / Watches