Catalogue en ligne
Vente du 13 mars 2024 - Horlogerie de Collection
Provenance:
Christie’s, Geneva, May 12th 2014, lot 42.
Literature:
Model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305.
Coming up at auction for the second time, this very early reference 3970 from the first batch of 10 ever produced is a real rediscovery. Fresh to the market when it first appeared from its original owner 10 years ago at Christie’s in Geneva, this very specific wristwatch is number 6 in the production line with movement 875’006 and is part of approximately only 100 examples produced with snap on case back, starting off with the movement number 875’000. The reference 3970 is both iconic to Patek Philippe and the world of complicated vintage wristwatches as it comes from a very prestigious lineage going back to the first ever produced chronograph and perpetual calendar wristwatch launched at Basel Watch Fair in 1941 with the famous reference 1518 then followed by the legendary reference 2499 which went from 1951 to 1985. Launched in 1986 reference 3970 was then discontinued in 2004 and went through different evolutions such a different series. The first series being with snap back such our present example. The second series were designated as reference 3970E (E for étanche, French word for waterproof) and in 1989 the last series were fitted with a solid screw back as well as an additional sapphire crystal display screw back. Being discontinued for the past 20 years, the reference 3970 is today among favorites from watch afficionados as it symbolizes perfectly the essence of Patek Philippe.
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3970, First Generation
So called “Snap on Case Back”,
Produced from the First Batch,
No. 875006 / 2824116, circa 1986
A 18k yellow gold chronograph and
perpetual calendar wristwatch with
moon phases, snap on case back and
presentation wooden box
Case: round, snap on case back, two
round chronograph pushers, fluted lugs,
correctors on the band to adjust the
calendar and moon phases, signed
Dial: silvered two tone with baton
applied indexes, three subsidiary dials
for the chronograph function, date,
seconds and 24h indication, aperture for
moon phases, two windows for days of the
week and months, outer minute track with
1/5th second graduation, signed
Movement: mechanical with manual
winding, calibre 27-70 Q, nickel
finished, Côtes de Genève decoration,
stamped with the Geneva Seal, 24 jewels,
lever escapement and balance spring,
adjusted to temperature and isochronism,
signed
Clasp/Buckle: gold buckle stamped PPCo,
signed
Dimensions: 36 mm
Weight: 76 g
Accessories: Patek Philippe
presentation wooden box.
CHF 80'000 – 120'000
Vendu pourCHF 247'564
Provenance:
Christie’s, Geneva, May 12th 2014, lot 42.
Literature:
Model is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 305.
Coming up at auction for the second time, this very early reference 3970 from the first batch of 10 ever produced is a real rediscovery. Fresh to the market when it first appeared from its original owner 10 years ago at Christie’s in Geneva, this very specific wristwatch is number 6 in the production line with movement 875’006 and is part of approximately only 100 examples produced with snap on case back, starting off with the movement number 875’000. The reference 3970 is both iconic to Patek Philippe and the world of complicated vintage wristwatches as it comes from a very prestigious lineage going back to the first ever produced chronograph and perpetual calendar wristwatch launched at Basel Watch Fair in 1941 with the famous reference 1518 then followed by the legendary reference 2499 which went from 1951 to 1985. Launched in 1986 reference 3970 was then discontinued in 2004 and went through different evolutions such a different series. The first series being with snap back such our present example. The second series were designated as reference 3970E (E for étanche, French word for waterproof) and in 1989 the last series were fitted with a solid screw back as well as an additional sapphire crystal display screw back. Being discontinued for the past 20 years, the reference 3970 is today among favorites from watch afficionados as it symbolizes perfectly the essence of Patek Philippe.