Patek Philippe Reference 3970 Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1991
Maker / issuer
Patek PhilippeThis Patek Philippe Reference 3970 is an 18k yellow gold manual-winding perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch featuring a silvery opaline dial. The dial layout includes day and month apertures beneath 12 o'clock, subsidiary dials displaying running seconds with a 24-hour indicator, a 30-minute counter with a leap-year cycle, and a date display with an integrated moon phase.
Measuring 36 mm in diameter, the case features round chronograph pushers, stepped lugs, and interchangeable sapphire crystal and solid casebacks according to the source. The watch is powered by the 24-jewel caliber CH 27-70 movement, with movement number 875907 and case number 2873870.
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 wristwatch
- Caliber
- CH 27-70
- Diameter
- 36mm
- Reference
- 3970
- Sale date
- 2 Oct 1991
- Case number
- 2873870
- Case material
- 18k yellow gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement number
- 875907
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe
Design
- Visible features
- • Light silvery opaline dial with applied yellow-gold baton indexes and matching leaf hands. • Twin calendar apertures for day and month positioned directly below the 12 o'clock marker. • Round chronograph pushers flanking the winding crown at 2 and 4 o'clock. • Fitted brown alligator-pattern leather strap attached between stepped downward-curved lugs.
- Mechanism and Movement
- The timepiece is powered by the 24-jewel caliber CH 27-70 manual-winding movement, identified by movement number 875907. It features a transparent caseback, though the auction catalog states that an overhaul is recommended for the movement at the buyer's expense. The movement, dial, and case are signed. The watch includes a moon phase indicator.
- Identity and Configuration
- The Patek Philippe Reference 3970 is a manual-winding perpetual calendar chronograph. This 18k yellow gold example has a case diameter of 36 mm. It features a silvery opaline dial and was sold on October 2, 1991. The watch is fitted with an alligator-pattern leather strap and an 18k yellow gold pin buckle. The auction documentation describes the case as unpolished, noting that the lug hallmarks are deep and the case angles are well-defined.
- Provenance and Documentation
- Included with the lot are several original items: a fitted presentation box, a Certificate of Origin dated October 2, 1991, an additional solid gold caseback, a push pin, and various booklets and leaflets. The lot is categorized as a 'Second Series' Reference 3970. The watch was previously held by a collector based in Hong Kong.
Identification
- Reference
- 3970
- Serial number
- 875907
- 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: Internal movement mechanism is not visible in the primary photograph.
- Research required: The auction house catalog notes an overhaul is recommended at buyer's expense.