Good evening everyone.
This time, I would like to introduce the "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" "Ref. 3970EJ-014" which is equipped with a Lemania-based movement, which I love so much.
We received many inquiries when the "Ref. 3970EG-001" arrived at the end of last year, but this time, since it is near the end of its sales year and comes complete with all the accessories, we would like to introduce it to you with great enthusiasm!
When I first entered the industry, there were still a few opportunities to see this model, but since I started my store, it has become a rare model with only a few units arriving each year, including those with different case materials. I hope that you will be interested after reading this column!
"Ref.3970EJ-014"
"Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" 18KYG
The combination of an 18KYG (yellow gold) case and a refreshing silver dial creates a classic and elegant "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph" "Ref. 3970EJ-014".
The small calendar window at the 12 o'clock position, the registers at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions, the moon phase at the 9 o'clock position with the date display on its outer periphery, the minute scale around the outer periphery of the dial, and the dial design are all finished in perfect balance.
Before getting into the main topic, I would like to introduce the "Ref. 3970".
*Ref.2499 Reference: PHILLIPS
The "Ref. 3970", whose specifications vary depending on the sales period, appeals to enthusiasts due to its variety, and it has now become an aspirational model that attracts many watch fans.
It first appeared in 1986 as the successor to the Ref. 2499, the second generation of the perpetual calendar chronograph model.
*Ref.3970 (first generation) Reference: SOTHEBY'S
The first generation was produced in only 100 pieces, and its features were a closed snap-back case back and a contrasting classic look with different subdials. The case material was also only 18KYG (yellow gold). I think the only time I've actually seen one was in a preview at an overseas watch auction, so it's a very rare model now.
*Ref.3971 Reference: PHILLIPS
By the way, there is also a model called "Ref. 3971" that was released around the same time, but this model only has a sapphire skeleton case back, which is also a rare model. This model also only exists in 18KYG (yellow gold) cases.
*Ref.3970 (second generation)
The second generation was manufactured until around 1991.
The leaf-shaped hands and bar indexes are the same as the first generation, but the sub-dials are now the same color as the dial. Most of the case backs are screw-down closed backs, but there were also models with skeleton backs in the very latter half of the production period (around 1986-1991). Our shop has sold the "Ref. 3970EJ-051" in the past, and we received inquiries from several customers at the time, which led to us selling it immediately.
Then came the third generation, the Ref. 3970E, which we will introduce here.
The "E" in "Ref.3970E" stands for "etanche" in French, which means "waterproof." It is a screw-down type, and is sold with a closed back and a sapphire crystal see-through back as a set. There are various theories, but one is that it was introduced in response to a series of individual orders from customers for the "Ref.3970" model skeleton back.
The early models produced had a pin buckle, but the mid-1990s or later models switched to a folding buckle. This generation is the most produced, but in recent years, with the support of collectors, I think they are "starved," if I may say so dramatically. The dial is usually silver, but from this generation, 18KWG (white gold) and PT (platinum) cases with a black dial and bar indexes have also appeared.
*The PT (platinum) case is also available with a black dial and diamond indexes.
Now that we've given you that introduction, let's get back to the main topic.
The case diameter is 36mm, which is a little on the small side, but the thickness is 13mm, which gives it a noticeable presence, so when you see it in person, you might mistakenly think it is much larger.
The famous "Cal. CH 27-70 Q", which can be viewed through the sapphire crystal back, is simply beautiful. This movement is also used in the "Ref. 5970", the successor to the "Ref. 3970", and the "Ref. 5004", which has an additional split-second function.
This is a very old model sold in 2004, and comes with all the accessories. Although there are some small scratches from use, there are no noticeable scratches or dents, and it has a very good impression with little polishing, so we highly recommend it as a collection piece.
*The engraving on the back of the lug is still in good condition.
The selling price you are interested in is...
However, we received many inquiries just before publishing this article, and the sale has now ended again...
If you want to see the product details, click here
Even though it was the third generation, which is said to have been produced in large numbers, it came with all the accessories and was in good condition, so it attracted a lot of attention.
summary
What did you think.
There are almost no "Ref. 3970"s for sale in Japan, and I think that even if you search overseas, you will find almost no examples like this one, which is suitable as a collector's item. This time, too, we received a lot of interest from the time of posting, and unfortunately it was sold immediately, but we will do our best to quickly stock the next "Ref. 3970", so please wait for the next shipment!!
We hope to continue providing you with as much useful information as possible, so please look forward to the next Patek discussion!
see you!