Patek Philippe PLATINUM REF. 3970EP

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.

Today, many collectors find the ref. 3970 the ultimate ‘bargain’ of Patek Philippe’s high complication watches. Often priced under 100,000 USD, the ref. 3970 is the watch of choice for a wearable complicated watch. However, be warned, interest in this reference is growing by the minute. Astute buyers are seeing 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.

Much has been written on the reference (and more in the works) but it is highly recommended you read Cara Barrett’s In-Depth article on Hodinkee to get a detailed overview of the ref. 3970.

The presently offered example is from the final year of official production of the watch. Finely preserved, this platinum ref. 3970 retains strong definition to the lugs and a mint dial as expected for the age. It is highly recommended you consider a ref. 3970 now before prices reach previously unexpected levels…. just my two cents.

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