Patek Philippe Reference 3979J | A yellow gold minute repeating wristwatch made to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Patek Philippe | Circa 1991

Patek Philippe

Reference 3979J
A yellow gold minute repeating wristwatch made to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Patek Philippe
Circa 1991

Dial: white porcelain
Calibre: cal. R27 PS automatic, 39 jewels
Movement number: 1'904'024
Case: 18k yellow gold, snap on sapphire crystal display back
Case number: 2'867'141
Closure: 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe folding clasp
Size: 33 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: no
Accessories: Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives, service correspondence and presentation case with outer packaging

Condition Report:
MVT: is running at the time of cataloging. Minute repeater is operating.
CASE: is in very good condition. Some very light surface scratching to the case and clasp. Mark to the sliding part of the case caused by the activation of the minute repeater function. Likely polished. Some flaking to the lining of the presentation case.
DIAL: is in excellent condition.

Catalogue Note:
It has been widely recognized that Patek Philippe produces the most magnificent minute repeaters, rendering it a perfect complication choice to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the manufacturer. The present reference 3979 represents the condensed knowledge of Patek Philippe working with minute repeaters.

Ever since the 16th century, the minute repeater was developed for users to tell time in the dark. With artificial lighting it seems that modern society never experiences true darkness, though the minute repeater still remains very popular for its thoughtful mechanism and meticulous craftmanship.

The 3979 incorporates the automatic caliber R 27 PS with a 22k gold planetary rotor, displayed with a sapphire crystal back proudly exhibiting this phenomenal execution. Visually speaking, the watch bears a porcelain white dial, decorated with astounding black painted Roman numerals and a minute chapter ring. Upon activating the slide-piece, the striking mechanism converts the vision on the hands to the sensation of the ears.

According to our research, the first serial numbers of this reference started with 1,904,000, making the present lot the 24th being produced from this series. Moreover, the watch bears an intriguing gold mark reading 'JHP' between the bottom lugs, which indicates that the case was forged by master case maker Jean-Pierre Hagmann, further indicating that the present 3979J ranks amongst the early production of this reference.