Collection
No_frills shares his latest acquisition, a Patek Philippe Ref. 3970P with a silver dial, complementing his existing 3970J. This post offers a personal reflection on collecting, the aesthetic differences between platinum and yellow gold versions of the same reference, and the enduring appeal of the discontinued CH27-70Q movement. His detailed photographs and commentary provide a valuable comparison for collectors considering these highly sought-after perpetual calendar chronographs.
It wasn't so long ago that I posted this thread about acquiring my 3970J:
Still, I tend to buy in twos just because I have this fantasy that I'll be leaving behind my watches as heirlooms to my two daughters. What should follow a 3970J? Well, I decided that it should, very fittingly, be a 3970 in platinum.
In the meantime, I
will enjoy these beauties for all they are worth: each of my timepieces gets
worn at least once a week.
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 รฉbauche, 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.
The 3970J is in danger! Bravo. Nicolas
And by "cold" I mean it in a good way: the platinum is way cool/smooth, and flies under the radar. However, the 3970J's yellow gold exudes warmth, and it has a "vintage" feel to it that you just can't get from something as "cool" and "edgy" as the 3970P. So, I am thinking that both have a place in the collection! Now, the issue is: which daughter will get the J and which one will get the P... or will they both want the J or the P!
Well done my friend. Stunning in person!
Send me the P! :) Best, Nicolas
... c/o my wife last night, less than one hour after I got home. Yep, that's the 3970P on her wrist.
Less than one hour home, the 3970P quickly migrated to my wifes wrist.
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