Patek Philippe 3970P 1st Series Perpetual Calendar

amanico · 2018-11-05T02:10:53Z

Nicolas (amanico) reviews the Patek Philippe 3970P 1st Series Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, comparing it to the 5970 and 5004. Explores its rarity, market value, and design nuances.

amanico

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

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Nicolas (amanico) presents the Patek Philippe 3970P 1st Series Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, highlighting its understated elegance and timeless appeal. He discusses its place among Patek Philippe's iconic PCCs, comparing it to the 5970 and 5004. This post offers a glimpse into the nuances of vintage Patek Philippe references and the specific features that captivate collectors.

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The Perpetual Calendar Chronographs are among the finest, most elegant watches a collector can wish to get.

Several brands offered and still offer this combination of complications, and among them, Patek Philippe.

In the modern era, there are two or three ( if we count the 5004, which adds a rattrapante ) which are really worth a look, the 3970, the 5970, and the 5004.

I had the opportunity to see a 3970P, 1st series, with its solid case back, some days ago, thanks to a good friend if mine.

Its 36, 7 mm case is not that small, on the wrist. And the watch oozes elegance.

Still, it will be my third choice... My heart is already taken by the 5970P. Not because of the size, but because of its black dial and the shape of the case.

Now, I wonder which one I would prefer, between a 5970P and a 5004P... But I will come back to that.

In platinum, this 3970 is a refined watch, understated, timeless.

And I like the solid case back a lot, too.

Thanks to its owner for this encounter.

Best,

Nicolas

About the Patek Philippe Grand Complications Ref. 3970

The Patek Philippe reference 3970 is a perpetual calendar chronograph, a complication central to the brand's heritage. It succeeded the highly regarded reference 2499 and served as a bridge to the later reference 5970. The 3970 was produced over an extended period, allowing for several series and subtle variations in its design, making it a significant model for collectors interested in the evolution of Patek Philippe's complicated wristwatches.

This reference features a 36mm case, commonly found in 18k white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. It is powered by the manual-wind caliber CH 27-70 Q, based on a Lemania ébauche, which offers a power reserve of 60 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, protecting a dial that typically includes subdials for the chronograph, perpetual calendar displays, and moon phases.

The 3970 appeals to collectors seeking a classic Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph with a traditional aesthetic and a historically important movement. Its long production run from 1986 to 2004 means that examples from different series, such as the first, second, and third, exhibit minor differences in dial layout and case details, providing distinct collecting opportunities within the reference.

Specifications

Caliber: CH 27-70 Q

Case: 18k white gold

Diameter: 36mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 25m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The 1st series 3970, produced around 1986, is distinguished by its snap back (mostly solid, few transparent 3971s) and a subtle two-tone dial where the registers have a slightly different color. Platinum 1st series models are extremely rare or unheard of.
The 3970 remains relatively undervalued compared to other Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronographs, but its price is expected to rise as the 5970 becomes the 'new 5070'.
While the 1st series is rare, a 2nd series 3970 with large hallmarks and a sapphire crystal case back is often preferred for its visible movement, which fills the case back more effectively than the 40mm 5970 or 41mm 5270.
The 5004, despite its rattrapante complication, is often considered less balanced and proportional than the 5970, particularly regarding thickness and pushers, and carries a significant price difference.
The 3970 is considered an underappreciated reference, offering great enjoyment to its owners.
The 36.7mm case of the 3970 wears well on the wrist, exuding elegance, and the solid case back is a favored feature for its classic appeal.

The Discussion

tactictac

Nov 5, 2018

Thank You

Not that bad...

amanico

Nov 5, 2018

That was before the appetizer.. ;) [nt]

sham1

Nov 5, 2018

My favourite perpetual calendar chronograph

Saying that, as much as the series 1 was terribly rare, I would opt for a Series 2 with the large hallmarks and a sapphire crystal case back as the movement is a sight to behold! The way it fills up the case back better than the 40mm 5970 and 41mm 5270 is something I could never get tired of.

amanico

Nov 5, 2018

Thanks for your feedback, my friend. [nt]

Mike H

Nov 5, 2018

Fully agreed, a killing beauty ! 😍😍😍

Simply superb on the wrist ! Thank you to our friend for the great opportunity to try it on the wrist.

amanico

Nov 5, 2018

Perfect, indeed. Thanks for commenting, Mike. [nt]