Patek Philippe, Perpetual Calendar Wristwatch

Patek Philippe
百達翡麗
REF 3970EP-019
A Platinum and Diamond set Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Wristwatch
with Moon Phases and Leap Year Indication
circa 2000
three subsidiary dials for 30-minute register combined with leap year, date combined with moon phases, and constant seconds combined with 24-hours, apertures for day and month
platinum case, concave bezel, round chronograph buttons,case, dial, and movement signed
platinum Patek Philippe buckle
diameter 36 mm, thickness 12.5 mm
3970EP-019
型號鉑金鑲鑽石萬年曆計時腕錶備月相及閏年顯示，2000 年製
Dial: black, diamond-set
Caliber: cal. CH 27-70Q manual winding, 24 jewels
Movement number: 3046553
Case:
platinum, screw-down sapphire crystal display back
catalogue note
Ref. 3970 was created following the success of the exceptional and iconic Ref. 2499 . The design of the case of Ref. 3970, with its downturned 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 later into production, Patek modified the design to a screw-down water resistant type case back.

The Ref. 3970E (for Etanche or water-resistant) was produced in yellow, white, and rose gold, and platinum.
Today, the Ref. 3970 holds an important place within the canon of complicated wristwatches by Patek Philippe, along with its iconic predecessors, the 2499 and 1518.

In 2004, Ref. 3970 was replaced by Ref. 5970.
This newer model reverted back to the rectangular chronograph buttons last seen on the first series 2499 models, as well as angular lugs. In 2011, Ref.
5970 was replaced by 5270.
Ref. 3970 is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A. Patek Philippe, Vol. II, Second Edition, p. 305.
Condition Report: The movement and functions in working condition at the time of cataloguing. It was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that A.B. Levy's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. The dial and hands in very good condition. Case in very good condition with the inevitable very fine scuffs, hardly any scratches and indentations throughout.