The Patek 3970

Watch & Bullion

10 November 2015 | < 1

The 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 indicator to the 9 o’clock subsidiary dial.

The design of the case of Ref. 3970, with its downturned, fluted lugs, is clearly influenced by its predecessor.

Breakdown of the 3970:

It was made in 4 series or generations between 1986 and 2004.
– First series with snap back (1986-1988)
– Second series with screw back with rectangular indexes and feuille hands (1987-1990)
– Third series with screw back and extra sapphire display back and lapidated or “obus” indexes (1989-1996)
– Fourth series is defined by a different movement number series and folding buckle (1996-2004).

In 2004, the reference 3970 was replaced by reference 5970, making the now discontinued model extremely rare and desirable to any serious watch collector.

The watch used in this illustration is for sale it includes Certificate Of Origin dated 1999, Extract from the Archives confirming sale on July 7th 1998 and leather folder with original booklets.