Quite possibly one of the most undervalued watches of the current era, it’s only a matter of time before reference 3970 receives the worldwide recognition it deserves, and one which is given to its two predecessors. Being the third perpetual calendar chronograph model from Patek Philippe, the historical importance of this watch is sky-high, and with its expertly-designed 36mm case size and simply outstanding complication, the future of the 3970 (in our opinion) is extremely bright. 

Housing Patek’s Calibre CH 27-70 Q, perpetual calendar chronograph watches are an absolute joy to own and wear, and remarkably are able to display an abundance of complications to the wearer at just a glance of their wrist. 

Being produced in the penultimate year of the 3970’s production run, this incredibly important 4th series example would have been amongst the last watches ever made. Recognised as a 4th series due to its deployment clasp, year of production and serial number, it is believed that only about 2,000 pieces were made across the four metals.

Condition Report:

Often offered as watch-only, this remarkable watch is equally impressive given it retains its entirety of accessories including its original red leather box, certificate of origin, a setting stylus and even the famous additional case back in solid 18ct yellow gold with correct hallmarks. The case of the watch has been extremely well preserved, both with its strongly-stepped lugs and original crown and pushers, and we suspect the watch has never been polished. The dial displays gorgeous tones throughout an its yellow gold hands and indices give off a sympathetically classy charm given the dial size. Fitted with a black alligator leather strap and benefitting from that previously-mentioned 18ct yellow gold deployment clasp, there really isn’t much better than this.

• Year: 2003

• Reference Number: 3970EJ-014

• Material: Yellow Gold

• Size: 36mm

• Movement: Manual Wind Calibre CH 27-70 Q

• Waterproof: 30

• Box Information: Original Box

• Extras: Original Certificate

• Strap: Black Alligator Leather Strap