Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Reference 3970EP
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1986
Maker / issuer
Patek PhilippeThis Patek Philippe reference 3970EP is a second-series perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch. The watch features a 36mm platinum case manufactured by Ateliers Réunis, characterized by the inclusion of a "small hallmark."
The watch is powered by the manual-wind caliber CH 27-70 Q, which is based on an ébauche from Lemania. The dial is the "Argenté" silver-toned version associated with early production runs, featuring "American Typewriter" typography and leaf-shaped ("feuille") hands. The perpetual calendar mechanism incorporates indicators for the day, date, month, leap year, and moon phase, alongside a 24-hour display. This reference was introduced in 1986 as the successor to the reference 2499.
According to the provided source, this specific iteration in platinum was produced in a limited quantity of 11 units. The object is reported to be in well-preserved condition.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Perpetual calendar chronograph
- Maker
- Patek Philippe
- Reference
- 3970EP
- Case Maker
- Ateliers Réunis
- Case Diameter
- 36 mm
- Case Material
- Platinum
- Complications
- Chronograph, perpetual calendar, moonphase, 24-hour indicator
- Movement Base
- Lemania
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Production Series
- Second Series
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe
Design
- Visible features
- • Silver-toned dial with three subdials • Three rectangular chronograph pushers and a crown on the right side of the case • Dark blue strap with visible stitching • Moon phase display at the six o'clock position
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch is housed in a 36mm platinum case, which the source notes is a rare material for this reference. The case was manufactured by the specialist workshop Ateliers Réunis and bears a small hallmark. The aesthetic follows the design language of the second series of the 3970 line, which transitioned away from earlier configurations. The dial is rendered in a warm silver tone, known as Argenté. The layout includes specific typography for the calendar and chronograph indications, utilizing the American Typewriter font.
- Movement and Functionality
- At the heart of the reference 3970EP is the caliber CH 27-70 Q. This movement functions as a perpetual calendar chronograph, a complex combination of complications that includes moon phase tracking and a 24-hour subdial. The movement is developed on an ébauche provided by Lemania, a standard arrangement for this reference within the Patek Philippe catalog of the era. The movement manages the chronological and perpetual calendar data, which is presented on the dial through a series of sub-registers. The layout is designed to maintain legibility despite the density of information provided by the perpetual calendar functions, which include the date, month, day, and leap year cycles.
- Historical Context and Condition
- The reference 3970 was introduced by Patek Philippe in 1986 as the successor to the reference 2499. While the case dimensions are smaller than its predecessor, the movement offers increased technical density and complexity. The auction description reports that the watch is in a well-preserved state. However, the documentation does not include specific details regarding the watch's service history or long-term operational performance. The rarity of the platinum configuration is emphasized, with the source stating that only 11 units were produced in this metal for the second series.
Identification
- Reference
- 3970EP
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Total production of 11 platinum units is reported based on external sources rather than manufacturer archives
- Research required: Specific maintenance history is not documented by the seller