5250_A

PATEK PHILIPPE YELLOW GOLD REF. 3970EJ

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Patek Philippe yellow gold perpetual chronograph, made in 1992

Specifications Story behind the watch Collectability says
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Watch Specifications

Reference Number
3970EJ
Production Year
1992
Original Date of Sale
March 6, 1993
Size
36 mm
Material
18K yellow gold
Dial Color
Silvered dial with applied rectangular batons
Watch Movement
Manual caliber 27-70 Q
Accompanied By
Extract from the Archives, Second Caseback, Stylus, and Box, as well as Patek Phlippe Geneva service tag.
CSKU
5250

Collectability says

The market has recently seen an unprecedented resurgence of interest in the ref. 3970EJ and prices continue to rise. This ref. 3970EJ from 1992 offers you the opportunity to acquire a finely preserved example for well under $200,000, a benchmark we may never see again.

5250

Story behind the watch

The ref. 3970 was released in 1986 and replaced the ref. 2499 as the flagship perpetual calendar chronograph of the marque. Utilizing a Patek Philippe-finished Lemania caliber, rather than the Valjoux caliber of its predecessor, the ref. 3970 remained in production for almost 20 years. Astute buyers are finally recognizing the ref. 3970 for what it is: a benchmark reference that is only growing in popularity and becoming the trophy purchase of a new generation of collectors. This early third series ref. 3970EJ from 1992 features lapidated batons and baton hands. The strong case with hallmarks has both its original sapphire back and additional solid case back.  It’s hard to imagine that a ref. 2499 that left the factory in 1986 is worth well over 1M USD and the ref. 3970 is so reasonable in price by comparison. What a difference a few years can make!

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Every timepiece is personally inspected and authenticated by our founder, John Reardon, one of the world’s leading experts on Patek Philippe. The case, dial, movement, and, when applicable, the buckle and bracelet are examined before a watch is offered for sale. Whenever possible, we include the original Certificate of Origin or an Extract from the Archives. If a watch is offered without one, we will always explain why - for example, if Patek Philippe declined to issue an Extract from the Archives because a dial was changed at some point in the watch's history.

We take pride in offering watches in the condition in which we acquired them. We avoid unnecessary interventions such as polishing or dial refinishing. If a movement requires repair, it is serviced by our select group of trusted specialists, including Patek Philippe-trained watchmakers.

Yes. We guarantee the authenticity of every Patek Philippe timepiece we sell. If a watch purchased from us is ever determined to have a previously unknown issue, please contact us to discuss the issue. This authenticity guarantee lasts two years from the date of sale and applies only to the original purchaser. It covers the watch as a whole, not individual components. All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. Collectability is an independent business and is not an authorized Patek Philippe dealer nor affiliated with Patek Philippe SA.

Every watch purchased from Collectability is guaranteed to be in working order for one year from the date of sale. If it stops functioning properly during that period (and hasn’t been damaged or mishandled), we’ll repair or adjust it free of charge.

Vintage and pre-owned watches should never be considered water resistant, even if they were originally designed as such. We recommend avoiding exposure to water, shocks, or magnetic fields.

For most timepieces, with the exception of consigned pieces, if you decide your timepiece is not right for you, you can return it within three business days for a full refund provided that the timepiece and its accompaniments are in the exact condition they were shipped to you. We’ll issue your refund upon safe receipt of the watch and any or all accompaniments.

We accept secure payments via bank transfer only.

Yes. All shipments are insured until they reach you via a trusted courier.

Returns are accepted within three business days of delivery for a full refund. We’ll provide a prepaid label and issue the refund upon safe receipt of the watch.

We’ll arrange immediate repair or adjustment under the terms of our one-year working guarantee.

Within the first year, repairs within reason are covered. After this period, we can coordinate servicing with our watchmaking partners at your expense, with an estimate provided before any work begins.

Yes. Many clients choose to have us coordinate ongoing maintenance or service.

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