I am selling my Patek Philippe "New Old Stock" 1990 3970 yg 2nd Series perpetual chronograph wristwatch.
The watch was purchased from a dealer who bought it from the original owner. The original owner (a very important collector), bought the watch , but never wore it (it was kept in the Bank vault for approx. 17 years, still has the original strap).
When I purchased the watch, I immediately sent the watch to my Patek AD to have a complete movement overhaul (at a considerable cost, movement & case were in perfect condition, just needed a movement cleaning and lubrication). I have since only worn the watch perhaps 10-12 times, very, very carefully. I keep it in my safety deposit box, and wind it 2 times per week. When the watchmaker overhauled the watch, he stated , "you now have a New Old watch". I have a receipt, which states that the movement was overhauled, with no case polishing.
The watch is essentially NEW OLD Stock condition, and never been polished.
This is the rare 2nd series 3970, with the following characteristics:
1. Leaf hands
2. Solid case back.
2. 875XX movement
3. Small older style certificate of origin
4. Different font lettering vs. 3rd series
5. baton indexes
6. Old style presentation box
etc, etc..
The watch comes complete with the following:
1. Original Patek Certificate of origin
2. Original Patek outer box
3. Original Patek mahogany inner box.
4. Original leather wallet, with all the complete original Patek booklets, instruction manuals etc.
5. Original Patek envelop, with corresponding serial number
6. Original Patek stylus
7. Letter from Patek Auth. Dealer stating that the watch has received a full movement overhaul (July 20, 2007).
8. Original, Patek baby alligator (black), + Patek aligator strap (brown); as shown in pics.
9. Original Patek buckle
10. Original Patek advertising booklet, depicting the second series 3970.
The reason I purchased the 2nd series 3970 is that it looks virtually identical to the 4rd series 2499 (1960-1978). In fact, I believe this series is the modern day version of the 2499 4rd series, (collectors are just know slowly realizing the rarity, and beauty of the 2nd series 3970, leaf hands vs. the more common 3rd series 3970).
Based on movement count, it is estimate that only approx. 800-900 (not official, just a rough estimate) 2nd series 3970 were ever produced (in 4 separate metals). This makes the 2nd series 3970, quite a rare watch.
The first series 3970, almost identical to the 2nd series, (only 100 produced) with one selling for $225,000 US (Sept.28, 2005).
It's a bold statement , but I will say that my 3970 yg 2nd series is the "best known example in the world" (New Old Stock, with all complete paper work, original owner watch , and recent service overhaul).
I've written a number of articles on Patek Philippe, and vintage Rolex, and I’m very well known on several watch major forums; ThePurist, TZ, VRF, etc.
I'm happy to provide references, upon request.
Price: $95,000 USD, Bank wire + Shipping and Insurance..
**Given the value of this watch, a face to face transaction would be recommended.
***If you have any questions, please be free to email: [Email address suppressed for privacy].
Thank you for looking.
arolex
Arthur.
Here are the pics:
Thank you,
arolex
Arthur.
Canada
