Patek Philippe Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar 3974J

Ref. 3974JA very impressive, attractive and rare yellow gold minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, 24-hour, leap year indication, additional solid caseback and presentation box

Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: Circa 1991 Reference No: 3974J Movement No: 1’906’041 Case No: 2’900’782 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. R 27 Q, 39 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe additional solid case back, setting pin, leather folio, outer packaging and fitted presentation box. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of production in 1991 and its subsequent date of sale on 16th July 1993.Minute repeating timepieces have long been an important asset to horology since its introduction in the 18th century. Mastering the intricate craft, Patek Philippe has been making some of the most impressive minute repeating timepieces. In 1989, Patek Philippe celebrated their 150th anniversary by launching a series of limited edition timepieces as well as important complicated timepieces such as the calibre 89 Ultra-Complication pocket watch and the minute repeating perpetual calendar ref. 3974. Dubbed by many collectors as one of the most important complicated timepieces serially released by Patek Philippe, the ref. 3974 was very limited produced with a production spanning over 13 years. It is estimated that only 120 examples of the reference were produced across all case materials with most examples in yellow gold. Furthermore, the reference bears something collectors are extremely fond of, “JPH” inscription on the case indicating that early examples of the reference featured cases made by the revered Mr. Jean-Pierre Hagmann. Regarded by many as one of the legendary master casemakers in recent times, Patek Philippe would often request for Mr. Hagmann to execute complex cases, often for a minute repeating wristwatch. The ref. 3974 is a true gem by Patek Philippe, even more so when it combines two important complications that are both mastered by the firm. With a marriage of the perfect minute repeating mechanism, perpetual calendar and further executed by Mr. Jean-Pierre Hagmann, the present example in yellow gold from 1991 is presented in attractive and excellent overall condition with all four hallmarks stamped behind the lugs intact. With only an estimated less than 30 examples in yellow gold to have appeared in the market, the present is fresh to the public market and is further accompanied by its original additional case back and a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece in 1991 and its subsequent date of sale on the 16th July 1993. This is truly a rare opportunity for esteemed collectors of fine timepieces to acquire one of the most important modern Patek Philippe references.