Patek Philippe Reference 3970E Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1990
Maker / issuer
Patek PhilippeThis Patek Philippe reference 3970E is a manual-winding perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch manufactured in 18K yellow gold, dating to 1990. The 36 mm case features round chronograph pushers, stepped lugs, and a solid screw-down case back.
Its dial displays day and month apertures below 12 o'clock, subsidiary dials for 30-minute timing combined with leap-year indication, constant seconds with a 24-hour indicator, and a date ring enclosing a moon-phase display at 6 o'clock. Inside, the watch is powered by the 24-jewel calibre CH 27-70 Q, derived from a Lemania 2310 ébauche.
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
- Calibre
- cal. 27-70 Q, 24 jewels
- Reference
- 3970E
- Dimensions
- 36mm Diameter
- Case Number
- 2'860'497
- Case Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Number
- 875'545
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe
Design
- Visible features
- • Light dial with applied yellow-gold baton hour markers and matching baton hands. • Twin calendar windows displaying 'SUN' and 'DEC' positioned beneath the 12 o'clock marker. • Three subdials featuring a 24-hour indicator, 30-minute counter with leap-year cycle, and date with moon-phase aperture. • Fitted with a light brown leather strap secured with white stitching.
- Identity and Chronology
- This timepiece is identified as a Patek Philippe Reference 3970E, a manual-winding chronograph featuring a perpetual calendar. It is assigned the case serial number 2'860'497 and the movement serial number 875'545. Documentation accompanying the lot includes a Certificate of Origin dated May 1990. The reference 3970 lineage is described as having four series, with this 3970E categorized as the second series, identified by its 'E' suffix denoting 'Étanche' or water-resistant construction, characterized by the inclusion of a screw-down caseback.
- Construction and Dial Configuration
- The case is crafted from 18K yellow gold and measures approximately 36 mm in diameter. The dial features applied yellow-gold baton markers and matching baton hands. Calendar information is displayed via twin windows at 12 o'clock indicating the day and month, and a date ring encircling a moon-phase display at the 6 o'clock position. Additional functions include a 30-minute chronograph totalizer which incorporates a leap-year cycle indicator, and a constant seconds subdial that integrates a 24-hour indicator.
- Mechanism and Provenance Limitations
- The movement is the Patek Philippe calibre CH 27-70 Q, a 24-jewel manual-winding calibre derived from the Lemania 2310 ébauche. The watch is currently paired with a leather strap; it is also accompanied by an 18K yellow-gold Patek Philippe bracelet. The source documentation states that the yellow-gold bracelet was an addition provided at a later date and was not original to the watch. The lot is offered 'as is,' and the auction house notes that the condition of the bracelet and the water resistance of the screw-down caseback are not guaranteed.
Identification
- Reference
- 3970E
- Serial number
- 2'860'497
- 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: The supplementary 18K yellow-gold Patek Philippe bracelet described in the auction text is not shown in this photograph.
- Research required: The solid caseback, movement, certificate, and presentation accessories are not depicted in the image.