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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar chronograph

Patek Philippe 3970EP Perpetual Calendar Chronograph

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe wristwatch is a second-series example of the reference 3970, a model introduced in 1986 as the successor to the reference 2499. This specific watch features a 36mm platinum (PT 950) case manufactured by Ateliers Réunis. It is distinguished by the presence of a 'Big Hallmark' stamp. The watch is powered by the manual-wind caliber CH 27-70 Q, which is based on a Lemania ébauche. The argenté (warm silver) dial includes feuille-style hands and incorporates displays for a chronograph, a perpetual calendar, and moon phases, with the calendar indications presented in Italian. According to the provided information, the watch is one of only eleven examples produced in the second series with a platinum case, and it is documented as one of only two of these eleven to feature an Italian-language calendar. The condition is reported as untouched and unrestored.

The Patek Philippe 3970EP on the wrist, displaying the argenté dial, Italian calendar, and moon phase
The Patek Philippe 3970EP on the wrist, displaying the argenté dial, Italian calendar, and moon phase — Zamanito. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar chronograph
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
3970EP
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1980s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Design and Construction

The reference 3970 was launched in 1986, succeeding the reference 2499 in the Patek Philippe lineup. This second-series wristwatch features a 36mm case crafted from platinum. The case production is attributed to the workshop Ateliers Réunis.

The dial is colored in an argenté, or warm silver, tone and is set with feuille-shaped hands. The layout organizes the chronograph, perpetual calendar, and moon phase complications within the 36mm diameter.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب این ساعت با قطر ۳۶ میلی‌متر توسط کارگاه معروف Ateliers Réunis ساخته شده و متریال آن پلاتین است.”
  • “این نمونه تنها نسخه شناخته‌شده‌ای محسوب می‌شود که ترکیب تقویم به زبان ایتالیایی را به همراه این نشانه خاص قاب در خود جای داده است.”
  • “صفحه ساعت با رنگ نقره‌ای گرم (Argenté) متعلق به سری‌های اولیه، عقربه‌های برگی‌شکل (feuille) و فونت مشهور به «American Typewriter» تزئین شده”

Movement and Functionality

The mechanical movement powering this watch is the Patek Philippe caliber CH 27-70 Q.

The caliber supports multiple functions including a chronograph, a perpetual calendar, and a moon phase indicator. These complications are designed to fit within the constraints of the 36mm case, maintaining a balance between technical density and readability.

Evidence for this section
  • “در بخش موتور، از کالیبر CH 27-70 Q بر پایه اِباش لمانیا (Lemania ébauche) استفاده شده است.”
  • “پیچیدگی‌هایی شامل کرنوگراف، تقویم دائمی و نمایش فاز ماه را در ابعادی متناسب سامان داده است.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description reports that both the case and the dial are in an untouched, unrestored, and preserved condition. The documentation does not provide details regarding recent servicing or the inclusion of original accessories.

The information provided is derived from the source description. No independent assessment of the authenticity of components or the operational performance of the movement has been conducted.

Evidence for this section
  • “طبق منبع قاب و صفحه ساعت در وضعیتی دست‌نخورده، بازسازی‌نشده و فوق‌العاده توصیف شده‌اند.”
  • “زمانیتو هیچ‌گونه تأییدیه مستقلی در خصوص اصالت قطعات، سلامت عملکرد یا کارشناسی فنی آن ارائه نمی‌دهد.”

Open research questions

  • Confirmation of the production date relative to the second series timeline
  • Verification of the specific hallmark placement on the case
  • Existence of accompanying Patek Philippe archive extracts or original documentation

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe 3970EP Perpetual Calendar Chronograph
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“برند سازنده: Patek Philippe”
Reference3970EP“شماره رفرنس: 3970EP”
Case MaterialPlatinum (PT 950)“جنس قاب: پلاتین (PT 950)”
Case Diameter36 mm“قطر قاب: ۳۶ میلی‌متر”
Production SeriesSecond Series“سری تولید: سری دوم (Second Series)”
MovementCH 27-70 Q (Lemania based)“کالیبر: CH 27-70 Q (بر پایه Lemania)”
Production RarityOne of eleven platinum examples in the second series“از این سری دوم، تنها ۱۱ نمونه با قاب پلاتین ساخته شده”
Caliber OriginLemania ébauche“بر پایه اِباش لمانیا (Lemania ébauche)”

Visible details

  • Italian language day and month indicators in apertures
  • Feuille-style hands present on the dial
  • Three-register chronograph layout integrated with moon phase
  • Platinum case construction with pusher configuration for calendar adjustment

Research qualifications

  • Unverified independent authentication of parts or movement performance
  • Limited information provided regarding current service history or included accessories

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی Patek Philippe رفرنس 3970EP سری دوم تقویم دائمی کرنوگراف پلاتین

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 5c8a27a43e

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other perpetual calendar chronograph records