• cal. R27 Q automatic nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, Gyromax balance, 39 jewels, two polished hammers on two gongs, 22k gold mini-rotor • opaline silvered dial with applied white gold baton indexes, 3 subsidiary dials indicating day with 24-hour indication, month with leap-year indication and date with aperture for moon-phases, outer minute track • 18k white gold circular case with stepped bezel and lugs, minute repeating mechanism operated by a slide in the band, sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe buckle 

Movement and all function are in working order while cataloguing. Minute repeating strikes with a crisp tone, very even and harmonised. One superficial mark to the dial near 3 o'clock, only visible under a powerful loupe, otherwise very nice and clean. Case with surface hairlines, visible small nicks to the left bottom lug, strong hallmarks. Buckle with normal signs of wear. Overall condition is very good. A rare piece to appear in the market especially with such a complete set of accessories.
"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."

With a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, setting pin, interchangeable full case back, 2 presentation boxes with outer packaging. Further with an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1991 and sale on April 21st, 1992. 

Launched in 1989 to celebrate Patek Philippe’s 150th anniversary the reference 3974 is arguably one of the most important wristwatches ever made by the company. Featuring minute repeater and perpetual calendar functions with 24hr indicator and wound automatically via a 22k gold rotor the wristwatch was the most complicated manufactured for the era. The movement, Cal.R 27 Q, is co🐭mprised of 467 parts within a diameter of just 28mm and height of only 7mm, demonstrating the technical achievements of Patek Philippe workshops through the miniaturization of the complications while creating a pure, crisp, tone of the repeater that the company is now famous for.  Available in 18k yellow, pink, white gold and platinum, manufacture of the Ref.3974 ceased in 2002 with a total production believed to be no more than 100-120 examples in all metals with white gold as the rarest. Only one other example of a 3974 in a white gold case has previously appeared at auction. Sold on March 3, 2003 within the sale of Important Watches held by Sotheby’s New York and featured on the front cover, the final lot in the sale was a Patek Philippe Ref.3974G with movement number 1906062. With an identical opalescent silvered dial, the pair of consecutively numbered white gold examples of 3974 were very possibly the only two manufactured in that metal out🎀 of the entire series.

Offered by the original ow♔ner who purchased the watch from Patek Philippe in 1992, the model𝓡 remains in unmolested condition and one of the few totally complete examples to appear at auction with the certificate of origin within a leather folder, original wooden box, solid numbered white gold case back and stylus. 

This lot is collectors' dream🌠 and presents probably the only opportunity to acquire such an important piece of contemporary horology from the golden era of Patek Philippe.

Reference 3974 is illustrated in Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin 𒆙Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, p. 325.