• cal. 27-70 nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 24 jewels, Gyromax balance • silvered dial, applied gold baton indexes, subsidiary dials for constant seconds combined with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register combined with leap year indication and date combined with moon phases, twin apertures for day and month in Italian, outer minute track with 1/5 seconds divisions • 18k white gold case, scooped bezel, sapphire crystal screw-down display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp

Sales Room Notice: The present lot was made in 1999 and is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on August 4, 2000. Movement running at time of cataloging, however not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Perpetual calendar function works. Dial in excellent condition. Case in excellent condition with very minor surface scuffs to the case band and lugs. Overall, a highly impressive watch in excellent condition. The present lot contains endangered species which is subject to restrictions upon international export. Accordingly, the strap for this item will be removed prior to shipment outside the United States.
"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 presentation box, setting pin, spare solid case back, Certificate of Origin and 2 booklets. Also with an Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on August 4, 2000. 

Ref. 3970 was created following the success of the exceptional and iconic Ref. 2499. The design of the case of Ref. 3970, with its down-turned, fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by the form of the 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.

Patek Philippe first launched the Ref. 3970 in 1986 with a snap on case back. Two years into production, Patek Philippe modified the design to a screw-down water resistant type case back. The present lot is a Ref. 3970E (E for Etanche or water-resistant) which was produced in yellow, white, rose gold, and platinum. Production continued until 2004. Over the course of its production, the model underwent subtle design updates. The present example belongs to the fourth series of the model. During this final evolution, examples in white gold, like the present, were made in the smallest quantities.    

Ref. 3970 is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A. Patek Philippe, Vol. II, 🐲Second Edition, p. 305.