HD pictures with magnifying glass and video on www.mmcriviera.com
Launched in 1986 to replace the 2499, the 3970 is on the podium of perfect Patek Philippe chronograph watches : 2499, 3970 and 5004.
Everything is perfect in this watch, pure product of Patek Philippe : 353 pieces to make this jewel with the 27-70Q caliber with functions such as the perpetual calendar with moon phase, the display of the leap years and the 24 hours and a chronograph with a 30 minutes counter.
This is the first time that Patek Philippe does not use a Valjoux chronometer movement but a Lemania 2310, considered one of the best of the time.
Its 36 mm case is the universal size for these watches with great complications.
Four series have marked the almost 20 years of its existence.
A hundred versions were produced for the first series with clipped back case and leaf hands between 1986 and 1988.
A little more than 500 watches were produced for the second series with screwed back case and sticks style hands until 1990.
The third series produced from 1989 to 1995 was delivered with a sapphire back revealing movement and an additional clipped bottom. The watch was waterproof.
About 1500 pieces were produced, half of them in yellow gold.
The fourth series was produced until 2004.
Less than 4,000 watches sold in nearly 20 years, this is very little for a modern watch.
The model for sale is a 18K yellow gold third series with a silver opaline dial and first sold on June 1991.
Like the Youngtimers in collection cars, the 3970 has all the qualities required to become a mythical collection model in the coming years.
