This is a very fine and exceedingly rare 18K rose gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch with moon phase indicator: probably one of 5-6 examples of ref. 3971 in rose gold manufactured by Patek Philippe, Genève circa 1989.
Ref 3971 was a transitional model for Patek. Whereas the 1st series 3970s came with only a solid case back, Ref 3971s were issued concurrent with the first series with only a single glazed crystal back to display the beautiful movement. The 3971 was only made for only one year in 1989. Starting with the production of the 3rd series, Patek Philippe standardized the model under Ref 3970E with both screw-in solid and crystal backs.
Ref 3971s were produced mostly in yellow gold, with a handful of models manufactured in white and rose gold (no more than 6 of each). None were made in platinum. Of the Ref 3971s, a few of the early yellow gold models feature a snap-in crystal back. The snap-back 3971s are possibly the rarest variant and only came in yellow. The rest (like ours) come with a single screw-in case back.
Reference 3971s feature handmade cases with hallmarks stamped on the outside of the case. The price of the 3971s has come up quite a lot recently, but the reference remains affordable relative to its older cousin Ref 2499 which is worth $700,000 or more. To be sure, ref 2499 is one of the most iconic Patek Philippe watches, but in terms of the production numbers Patek 3971 in white or rose gold are less common by far. This is the first rose gold model of this watch I have ever handled, and the vintage look of the opaline dial against rose gold metal is astonishing.
This watch is in great condition, and comes with a box, and certificate. The watch was manufactured in January 1989, and sold the subsequent year.
Specifications
Cal. CH 27-70 Q mechanical lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 24 jewels, Gyromax balance, free sprung regulator, opaline dial, applied gold baton numerals, two windows for day and month, three subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 12 hours register, 30 minutes register and leap year indicator, date and moon phases, circular water-resistant-type case, downturned fluted lugs, glazed display screw back, two round chronograph buttons in the band, 18K rose gold original Patek Philippe buckle, case, dial and movement signed. 36 mm. diam.
Caliber
Movement Manual winding
Movement/Caliber CH 27-70 Q
Power reserve 40 h
Number of jewels 24
Frequency 18000 A/h
Case
Case material Rose gold
Case diameter 36 mm
Thickness 12 mm
Water resistance 3 ATM
Crystal Sapphire crystal
Dial Opaline Silver
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