Patek Philippe invented the pairing of the perpetual calendar and chronograph complications. Starting with the reference 1518, followed by the 2499, in turn followed by the 3970, which was replaced by the 5970, all of Patek’s perpetual calendar chronographs are beautiful, important and highly prized wristwatches. Any of these watches would be a collection centerpiece. Some elite collectors manage to acquire all of these references. But the 3971 is a special collector’s perpetual calendar chronograph.

When Patek Philippe began producing the 3970 in 1986, all of the watches were delivered from the factory with a solid case back. The 3971 was by special order only, and was equipped with a display back. Soon enough, Patek Philippe decided to only offer this watch as the 3970 and include both a solid case back and a display back. Accordingly, very few 3971s exist, and even accomplished collectors get excited to find one.

Original 18k yellow gold case measures 36mm diameter by 13mm thick. Sapphire front and display screw back crystals. Round, pump style chronograph pushers. The gold hallmarks are stamped on the outside of the lugs.

Original dial is silvered with full calendar displays; day, date, month, leap-year cycle and moon phases along with the centrally mounted chronograph seconds hand and 30 minute chronograph totalizer.

Original movement is the manual winding Patek Philippe Caliber 27-70 Q with 24 jewels, Gyromax balance which has been adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 8 positions. The movement is stamped with the prestigious Geneva Seal.

Strap is brown Patek Philippe hand-sewn crocodile with an 18k Patek tang buckle.

Watch comes with all original box and papers, delivered by Salons Patek Philippe Geneva in 1990, comes from first owner ! -
Rare et exceptionnelle Chronograph Calendrier Perpetual Ref. 3971
La pièce a été livrée aux Salons Patek Philippe Genève en 1990, un seul propriétaire, écrin & certificat d'origine, jamais polie.