Description

The present reference is the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 3970EP-021, executed in platinum and representing the pinnacle of the manufacture’s fourth-series grand complications.

The classic 36 mm platinum case is defined by its stepped, concave bezel and sculpted fluted lugs, punctuated by a discreet Top Wesselton diamond set between the lugs at 6 o’clock—the hallmark of Patek Philippe’s platinum timepieces. The heavy, lustrous metal lends an understated authority and significant heft to the wrist, balanced by the model’s compact, classical dimensions.

The silvered dial demonstrates the balanced architecture that has come to define Patek Philippe’s high complications. Bounded by an outer track graduated to 1/5th of a second, the display features applied white gold faceted baton indexes and matching baton hands. Twin apertures beneath the 12 o’clock signature present the day and month, while three multi-functional subsidiary dials orchestrate the complex array of indications: running constant seconds share the 9 o’clock register with a 24-hour day/night indicator, a 30-minute chronograph register integrates the four-year leap-year cycle at 3 o’clock, and a radial date track frames a poetic fan-form aperture for the moon phases at 6 o’clock.

Beating within is the revered Calibre CH 27-70 Q, a 24-jewel, manual-winding column-wheel chronograph movement with an integrated perpetual calendar module, built upon the celebrated Lemania 2310 base. Finished to the rigorous standards of classical haute horlogerie, it features exquisite hand-beveled steel levers, circular Côtes de Genève, and a free-sprung Gyromax balance wheel.

The watch is fitted with a black leather strap secured by an original Patek Philippe platinum deployant clasp. Combining the prestige of a platinum case with the enduring sophistication of the reference 3970, this ref. 3970EP-021 remains a definitive collector’s centerpiece from the turn of the millennium.

Patek Philippe – Bio

Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.