156 Patek Philippe Extremely Rare and Attractive, Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Moon Phases, 24 Hour Leap Year Indication, Integrated Patek Philippe Bracelet, Reference 3970/2J, With Certificate of Origin, Booklets and Leather

Estimate: €80,000 –⁠ 160,000

Model: Perpetual Calendar
Reference: 3970/2J
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 2002
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 27-70Q
Case N°: 2953568
Movement N°: 3045571
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Certificate of Origin, Booklets and Leather Wallet

The watches that mostly made Patek Philippe brand famous are certainly those belonging to the chronograph family with perpetual calendar and moon phases. Constantly in production until the present day, this dynasty was born in 1941 with the legendary 1518 replaced only a few years later by the equally iconic 2499 (in 1950). This model remained in production for about 35 years when Patek decided to renew the style of this special object, giving rise to the reference 3970. Introduced in 1986 until around 2004 (when it was replaced by 5970 and later by 5270) what distinguished it from the previous model was the Lemania movement instead of Valjoux and the size that fell to 36 mm in diameter. Entirely made in yellow gold with a bracelet in the same material with a delicate woven pattern this watch presented a sapphire back able to guarantee waterproofing and showing the movement. Extremely well preserved, this watch is equipped with a very elegant argentè dial with applied baton numerals. The two windows for day and month are positioned slightly above the signature while the date surrounds the sundial with the fascinating moon phases display. On the sides, at 3 and 9 o’clock, the other two sunken counters. Although this reference is still considered young, it has already reached a state of absolute prestige among the perpetual calendar chronographs with moon phases and is now a must-have for every collector of complicated wristwatches.