• cal 27-70Q manual winding nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 24 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and eight positions • silvered dial, applied gold bullet and square indexes, apertures for day and month, three subsidiary dials, the first and the third engine-turned, indicating constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap year indicator and date combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases • 18k yellow gold circular case, concave bezel, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The dial is very clean with no visible imperfections. The case has been polished at some point and is lacking some definition to the fluting on the lugs. The gold mark on the upper left lug is quite crisp but the one on the lower right lug is rubbed. The case shows scuffs throughout from moderate wear, with some dings to the inside of the bezel between 5 and 6 o'clock. The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species; please refer to Important Notices for further information.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a Certificate of Origin as well as an Extract from the Archives confirming p🥀roduction in 1993 and sale on November 25th of that year. Together with a spare solid case back, setting pin, wooden presentation box and outer packaging.

Patek Philippe launched Ref. 3970 in 1986 and two years into production, modified the design to a screw-down case back and continued production for approximately two years. This water-resistant model was designated 3970E, with the suffix indicating étanche, or waterproof. Production of the model e𒉰nded in&nbs🔜p;2004.

Ref. 3970 was created following the success of the exceptional and iconic Ref. 2499. One main difference between the two models is the addition of the leap year indicator to the 3 o'clock subsꦬidiary dial and 24-hour indicator to the 9 o'clock subsidiary dial. The design of the case of Ref. 3970, with its downturned, fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by the form of Ref. 2499.

For an example o🦋f Ref. 3970 in white gold, see lot 209.

Ref. 3970 is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. 2, Second Edition, pp. 305.