⏱ 1 min read
Background
On 28 October 2026, Le Point devoted an article to the sales by Sotheby's devoted to the history of watchmaking. The “Important Watches” sale takes place on 8 and 9 November 2026.
The key points
According to Luxe.net, Sotheby's is presenting what it believes to be the first numbered Patek Philippe ref. 3970 . This perpetual calendar chronograph, made in 1986, is estimated at 1 to 3 million francs.
The ref. 3970 succeeded the ref. 2499. It abandons the Valjoux-based calibre for the calibre 27-70 Q, based on a Lemania movement. According to the watch press cited by Luxe.net, the watch was reportedly sold in 1987 by the Patek Philippe shop on Rue du Rhône.
Luxe.net says it was unable to cross-check these provenance details with the official catalogue.
Key figures
- 1 to 3 million francs : estimate for the Patek Philippe 3970
- 1986 : year of manufacture
- 8 and 9 November 2026 : dates of the Important Watches sale in Geneva
What's next
- Sotheby's Important Watches sale in Geneva on 8 and 9 November 2026.
