Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 3970EJ

Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 3970EJ Second Series 18k YG Box and Papers

Tasked with creating the successor to the iconic ref. 2499, Philippe Stern created the legendary Patek Philippe ref. 3970, which has now gone on to become one of Patek Philippe's most sought-after vintage references. Released in 1986, a year after the ref. 2499 was discontinued, the ref. 3970 includes some design choices that are indicative of the period during which it was created. In the '80s, dress watches were getting smaller, and as such, Stern decided to take the ref. 2499's 37.5mm case and reduce it to 36mm for the ref. 3970. This served to broaden the piece's appeal and give it a classier aesthetic. The ref. 3970’s construction also builds upon this classy design with a concave bezel and downturned fluted lugs that help to slim the case's profile on the wrist and maintain its elegant look and feel. Equipped with the same movement that was in the ref. 2499, the Lemania cal. 2310, Patek Philippe’s artisans have heavily modified it to be just as finely finished as any other Patek movement. Carrying a lot of history itself, the Lemania cal. 2310 is often regarded as one of the most legendary movements to have ever existed, with its inception dating back to a joint project between Lemania and Omega in the 40's. With its visual overhaul, Patek decided to rebrand their refinished Lemania 2310 as the cal. CH 27-70, a movement that Patek collectors hold in particularly high regard, much like the ref. 3970 that it is found within. Brand : Patek Philippe Dimensions : 36mm Model : Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Movement : Manual-wind cal. CH 27-70 Reference : 3970EJ Bracelet : Leather strap Year : 1990 Condition : Near mint Material : 18kt yellow gold Included : Watch, box, service box, papers and booklets Dial Color : Silver THE DIAL Offered as a second-series variant, this example sports an opaline silver dial with applied squared baton hour markers and feuille hands. THE CONSTRUCTION Boasting a 36mm 18kt yellow gold case with a domed bezel and bevelled lugs, the ref. 3970 is a relatively compact and neat package on the wrist, considering the level of watchmaking it contains. TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.