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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar chronograph

Patek Philippe Reference 3970E Fourth Series

Partially verified

This Patek Philippe Reference 3970E "Fourth Series" is a perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch produced in 2001. The watch is encased in 18k white gold with a 36 mm diameter and features a screw-down sapphire crystal display back. It is powered by the mechanical Patek Philippe Calibre 27-70 Q, which consists of 24 jewels. The timepiece exhibits a black dial equipped with baton-style hands, incorporating moon phases, a leap year indicator, and a 24-hour indication. This particular iteration is identified by its silvered moonphase indicator. The watch is signed by Patek Philippe on the dial, case, and movement. It is fitted with a black Patek Philippe alligator strap secured by an 18k white gold buckle. The specific movement is numbered 3’046’322, and the case bears the number 4’125’952.

Front view of the Patek Philippe Reference 3970E Fourth Series wristwatch showing the black dial, moonphase, and chronograph sub-dials.
Front view of the Patek Philippe Reference 3970E Fourth Series wristwatch showing the black dial, moonphase, and chronograph sub-dials. — Sotheby's, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Wristwatch · Perpetual calendar chronograph
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe
Reference
3970E
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
2001
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
Case: 4’125’952; Movement: 3’046’322

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

Case and Dial

The wristwatch features a case constructed of 18k white gold measuring 36 mm in diameter. It is designed with a screw-down sapphire crystal display back, which allows for visual access to the movement within.

The dial is finished in black and utilizes baton-style hands for time indication. It integrates several displays, including moon phases, a leap year indicator, and a 24-hour indication. This specific iteration of the fourth series is distinguished by the inclusion of a silvered moonphase indicator.

Evidence for this section
  • “Featuring a 36 mm diameter white gold case”
  • “it is equipped with a screw-down sapphire crystal display back”
  • “showcases a sophisticated black dial with baton-style hands and incorporates moon phases, a leap year indicator, and a 24-hour indication”
  • “This “Fourth Series” iteration is distinguished by its silvered moonphase indicator”

Movement

The timepiece is powered by the Patek Philippe Calibre 27-70 Q, a mechanical movement containing 24 jewels. The movement is officially recorded with the number 3’046’322.

The watch is signed by the manufacturer on the dial, case, and movement. The assembly is secured to the wearer via a black alligator strap that is fastened with an 18k white gold buckle.

Evidence for this section
  • “The mechanical movement is the Patek Philippe Calibre 27-70 Q, which consists of 24 jewels”
  • “The movement is recorded as number 3’046’322”
  • “The timepiece is signed on the dial, case, and movement”
  • “It is secured with a black Patek Philippe alligator strap, fastened with an 18k white gold buckle”

Identification and Classification

This specific unit is identified as a Fourth Series iteration of the reference 3970E. The object is formally catalogued by the case number 4’125’952 and originates from a production year of 2001.

The documentation indicates the object was described from an auction-house listing. The provided details relate to this specific specimen, noting that other examples of the reference may exhibit variations.

Evidence for this section
  • “Patek Philippe Reference 3970E “Fourth Series””
  • “case is numbered 4’125’952”
  • “produced in 2001”
  • “Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ”

Open research questions

  • What specific technical modifications differentiate the Fourth Series of the 3970E from its predecessors?
  • Does the serial number 4’125’952 correlate with Patek Philippe’s internal records for this specific configuration?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Patek Philippe Reference 3970E Fourth Series
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerPatek Philippe“Patek Philippe”
Reference3970E“Reference 3970E”
Production Year2001“produced in 2001”
Material18k white gold“18k white gold”
MovementCalibre 27-70 Q“Patek Philippe Calibre 27-70 Q”
Movement Number3’046’322“3’046’322”
Case Number4’125’952“4’125’952”
Diameter36 mm“36 mm diameter”

Visible details

  • Black dial with baton-style hands
  • Silvered moonphase indicator disc
  • Three chronograph sub-registers and date aperture
  • Patek Philippe signature visible on dial

Research qualifications

  • The source describes the object as 'probable' in record status
  • The source does not explicitly verify the authenticity of the strap or buckle

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

Consulted source

Patek Philippe Reference 3970E “Fourth Series” 18k white gold perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 9df7cd21b6

Terms in this record

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

Other perpetual calendar chronograph records