199 Patek Philippe Very Well Preserved and Rare, Perpetual Calendar, Moon Phases, Chronograph, Wristwatch in Platinum, Black Baton Index Dial, With Extract from the Archives and Solid Case Back, Reference 3970E

Estimate: €120,000 –⁠ 240,000

Model: Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Reference: 3970E
Case Material: Platinum
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1999
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 27–70Q
Case N°: 4 037 628
Movement N°: 3 045 984
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Accessories: Extract from the Archives and Solid Case Back

Constantly in production until the present day, Patek’s dynasty of chronograph with perpetual calendar and moon phases 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, the size that fell to 36 mm in diameter, the leap year indicator to the 3 o’clock subsidiary dial and 24-hour indicator to the 9 o’clock subsidiary dial. The case style highly recalls the 2499’s one with its down-turned fluted lugs, and pump pushers. The reference 3970E (E for Etanche or water-resistant) was produced in yellow, white, pink gold, and platinum. The platinum version was offered with three different dial choices: silvered with batons, black with batons, and black with diamonds. The present lot, cased in platinum, is offered with a black dial and baton hour markers. The 18 years of production can be divided into four distinct series: First series (1986 – 1988), with snap back case, feuille hands and rectangular indexes. Only produced in yellow gold with an estimated 100 examples produced. Second series (1987 – 1990), with solid screw back case “E — Etanche”, feuille hands and baton indexes. Produced in all four case materials with an estimated 450 examples produced across all metals. Third series (1989 – 1995), with a solid screw back case “E — Etanche” with an extra sapphire case back, baton hands and lapidated indexes. An estimated 1,350 examples produced across all metals. Fourth series (1994 – 2004), with the same configuration as the third series but with a change in serial number ranges for movement and case, and from 1997 onwards, fitted with deployant clasps. An estimated 2,000 examples produced across all four metals. The present example has been cased in platinum and it stands out for its original, semi-glossy black dial with white-gold sword-shaped hour markers — an extremely rare and highly coveted dial. It has been preserved in remarkable conditions with sharp hallmarks to the side of the lugs, it still presents the Patek Philippe deployant. The watch comes with the extract from the archives confirming material, production in 1999 and subsequent sale on 29 October 1999.