• cal. CH 27-70 manual winding nickel lever movement stamped with the Seal of Geneva, free-sprung Gyromax balance, 24 jewels • silvered dial with applied gold baton indexes and hands, outer minute and 1/5 second divisions, aperture for day and month, subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap-year indication, date and moon-phases indication • 18k white gold polished case, scooped bezel, polished case, sapphire glass screw-down case back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. Movement is in working order while cataloguing and the chronograph function appears operational. Dial in good condition. Case with signs of wear. **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."

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 subsidiary 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.
The presently offered lot is from the Fourth Series of Ref. 3970.
Reference 3970 was made in 4 series or generations between 1986 and 2004. 
- First series with snap back (1986-1988) 
- Second series with screw back with rectangular indexes and feuille hands (1987-1990)
- Third series with screw back and extra sapphire display back and lapidated or "obus" indexes (1989-1996) 
- Fourth series is defined by a different movement number series and folding buckle (1996-2004).
In 2004, reference 3970 was replaced by reference 5970. 
The model is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, p. 305.