sham1
9768
The value is definitely there!
I am partial to the 3970 especially in white metal and I would definitely recommend this watch not only because it is a perpetual calendar chronograph (this is what Patek stands for to me) but it is a manually wound watch compared to the automatic 5140. The movement literally fills up the case back as the watch is only 36.5mm (I think) compared to the 40mm 5970 with the same Lemania movement. One might argue that the 5970 and 5270 are more balanced in their dimensions as these watches are larger so the height of the watch is more in proportion to the diameter. The one qualm of the 3970 is that the watch may appear a little thick especially on a 36.5mm watch but hey, I would never say no to this watch. The question lies on which watch fits you best! The 5140 and 3970 are not too different dimension wise although the 5140 is a lot thinner and arguably more practical.
Some may even say that a manual perpetual calendar is a pain as one will need to wind the watch daily. I personally find this as one of its major attractions but it does mean that the watch needs to follow you on holiday or you will end up having to reset it. As far as value, yes the 3970 seems like tremendous value compared to the 5970 but one has to account for the 20 years that the 3970 was in production compared to the much shorter production period of the 5970. Many even prefer this watch to the 5270 even though the latter has a Patek movement. Rarity in the spheres of Patek counts for everything I guess.
The 3970 was produced in 3 series and the Series 1 is arguably the rarest and most collectible and only came with a solid case back. The Series 2 had larger hallmarks which apparently are quite desirable (whatever happened to subtlety??!! 
) and many came with a solid back but there are some that were ordered with the transparent case back. I believe the Series 1 and 2 had leaf hands compared to the Series 3 which did not and many find this more attractive. All Series 3 watches came with the option of a solid back and a transparent case back so if buying a Series 3 watch, do make sure it comes with the solid back too.
) and many came with a solid back but there are some that were ordered with the transparent case back. I believe the Series 1 and 2 had leaf hands compared to the Series 3 which did not and many find this more attractive. All Series 3 watches came with the option of a solid back and a transparent case back so if buying a Series 3 watch, do make sure it comes with the solid back too. I have noticed that prices for the 3970 differ quite considerably but this is largely attributable to the condition of the watch and whether it comes with its original box and papers. The white gold was probably the rarest of the metals simply because the platinum version was priced only marginally higher than the rose and white gold, so many buyers opted for the platinum piece rather than the white gold version. I normally am partial to rose gold but I have tried both the white gold and platinum versions and they are close to what one would define as the perfect watch. One important point to note that the platinum version is very wearable and not at all heavy. I had expected otherwise. I am personally susceptible to heavy watches and would say that the 3970P weighs a lot lighter than say a Lange 1815 chronograph in gold.
All the best in your purchase!
Available on the marketplace
Perpetual Chronograph query
I have been looking perpetual calendars to complement my collection. I have looked carefully at the 5140 in all metals. I like the watch very much. However, in the last week or so the 3970 has caught my attention. My AD has 3 of them in stock which I assu...
The value is definitely there!
I am partial to the 3970 especially in white metal and I would definitely recommend this watch not only because it is a perpetual calendar chronograph (this is what Patek stands for to me) but it is a manually wound watch compared to the automatic 5140. T...
Thank you so much Sham.
I very much appreciate your comments. I love the white gold version of this watch. Do you think it is a problem if the watch does not come with papers?. I usually do not like to buy a watch of this caliber without the papers. But since these watches are q...
You are welcome CB!
I may be wrong but I am guessing that your AD is Govberg that has a white gold 3970 with box and no papers and are selling a 3970P at quite substantially more! Please correct me if I am wrong as I too was looking at both watches and actually down loaded t...
You are very astute. Correct. Govberg is located in Philadelphia.
I fly there once in a while to look at pieces. They seem to have a lot of inventory. I will only accept a watch with box and papers. You make excellent points. Before I make the purchase I will have to fly there again and try these beautiful watches on my...
You are most welcome CB and all the best!
On such an expensive purchase, I too would definitely fly to wherever necessary to view the watch. I don't want to a party pooper but a year ago, I thought a RW Smith would be my exit watch but I have since realised that if one is truly passionate about w...