Patek Philippe White Gold Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Second Series, 3970
Brand: Patek Philippe
Model: Perpetual Calendar Chrono
Reference: 3970E
Year: 1992
Material: 18k WG
Dial Color: Silver Second Series Dial
Dimensions: 37.5 mm
Watch Movement: Manual-Wind
Bracelet/Strap: Brown
Box/Paper: Box & Papers
Condition: Excellent Condition with Very Minor Wear
SKU: 206812
Few modern Patek Philippe references bridge the divide between vintage soul and contemporary usability quite like the Reference 3970. Produced from 1986 through the early 2000s, the model represents the final evolution of Pateks Lemania-based perpetual calendar chronograph lineage a direct descendant of the immortal 1518 and 2499 and, to many purists, the last of the truly classical complicated Pateks.
The present example belongs to the coveted second series, distinguished by its refined dial layout and transitional details that collectors prize: feuille hands, applied baton markers, and the clean, balanced typography that defines the early production years. It is this generation that most faithfully preserves the aesthetic restraint of its predecessors while offering the improved ergonomics of a 36mm case.
Cased in white gold, the watch carries a quiet authority on the wrist discreet, weighty, and unmistakably Patek. Importantly, the case remains in excellent, original condition, retaining strong proportions and crisp, well-defined hallmarks to the outer lugs, a detail seldom preserved and increasingly rare among examples that have seen polishing over the decades.
The silver dial shows beautiful clarity and symmetry, with perfectly aged registers and sharp printing throughout, maintaining the architectural legibility that defines the reference.
Adding further appeal, the watch is accompanied by its original box, papers, and solid caseback, and was sold in 1992, placing it squarely within the most desirable early production period.
Today, the second-series 3970 stands as one of the last truly under-the-radar great complications: wearable, mechanically significant, and directly tied to the golden age of Patek Philippe chronographs. An insiders reference collected not for spectacle, but for substance.
A connoisseurs perpetual calendar chronograph, in its most discreet and honest form.
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We provide a 5 day inspection period from delivery so that you may receive the watch and decide if it is right for you.
This is not a trial period; our watches are well documented and any wear or damage will be deducted from the return amount.
The Keystone offers a one-year warranty covering all mechanical aspects of the watch. This includes abnormal time keeping relative to the watches age, battery replacements and general mechanical issues inside the watch. Many of the watches we sell are vintage and thus may gain or lose more time than modern specifications. We reserve the right to use our discretion and experience to determine acceptable time keeping for vintage watches.
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