• cal. 27-70Q manual winding movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 24 jewels • black dial, diamond-set indexes, apertures for day and month, 3 subsidiary dials for constant seconds with 24-hour indication, 30-minute register with leap year indicator and date with fan-form aperture for moon-phases • platinum case, concave bezel, screw-down sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe buckle

The present watch has possibly been resealed. The sealed bag will have to be cut open and the alligator strap will be removed upon export out of Hong Kong. **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."

Accompanied by a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, an Extract from the Archives, interchangeable platinum solid case back, a setting tool and presentation box.

First launched in 1986, 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 in🧔dicator to the 9 o'clock subsidiary dial. The model was discontinued in 2004.

The Ref. 3970E (E for Etanche or water-resistant) was produced in yellow, white, ꧟and rose gold, and platinum. The platinum version was offered with three different dial choices: silvered with batons, black with batons, and black with diamonds. The black dial features 10 round cut diamonds and one baguette diamond at 12 o'clock giving the watch a masculine look that epitomizes understated elegance.