{"reference": {"slug": "patek-philippe-3970ep-038", "brand": "Patek Philippe", "ref": "3970EP-038", "model": "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Special Edition", "case_material": "Platinum", "provenance": "extracted_from_auction_comps", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/reference/patek-philippe-3970ep-038", "description": "The Patek Philippe 3970 was produced from 1986 to 2004, succeeding the reference 2499. The 3970EP-038 is a specific platinum execution from the fourth series, distinguished by its 36mm case with a screw-down sapphire caseback and a black dial featuring diamond hour markers. It utilizes the manual-wind Caliber CH 27-70 Q, based on a Lemania 2310 ébauche, which collectors value as the first Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph movement not based on a Valjoux blank. This reference represents the transition from vintage to modern proportions and manufacturing techniques. On the secondary market, the 3970EP-038 typically commands prices in the mid-to-high six-figure range, often between $180,000 and $250,000 depending on provenance. A notable production detail is that while standard platinum 3970s featured baton markers, the diamond-dial 038 variant was produced in significantly smaller quantities, increasing its rarity among fourth-series examples."}, "listing_stats": {"count": 2, "median": 244500.0, "low": 149000.0, "high": 340000.0, "brands": 1, "merchants": 1}, "listings": [{"id": "h_15262733730169", "title": "Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph | 3970E | Platinum", "brand": "Patek Philippe", "model": "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph | 3970E | Platinum", "reference": "3970E", "price_usd": 340000.0, "currency": "USD", "condition": "excellent", "box_papers": "full_set", "year": null, "case_material": "Platinum", "case_size_mm": 40.0, "movement": "Automatic", "complications": ["Perpetual Calendar", "Chronograph"], "merchant_slug": "a-collected-man", "merchant_name": "A Collected Man", "image_url": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0606/5325/files/Patek_Philippe_Perpetual_Calendar_Chronograph_3970E_platinum_A_Collected_Man_London_Thumbnail_00.jpg?v=1764768413", "detail_url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/listing/h_15262733730169", "buy_url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/out/h_15262733730169", "available": false}, {"id": "h_14897798644089", "title": "Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph | 3970EP-027 | Platinum", "brand": "Patek Philippe", "model": "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph | 3970EP-027 | Platinum", "reference": "3970EP-027", "price_usd": 149000.0, "currency": "USD", "condition": "excellent", "box_papers": "full_set", "year": null, "case_material": "Platinum", "case_size_mm": 36.0, "movement": "Automatic", "complications": ["Perpetual Calendar", "Chronograph"], "merchant_slug": "a-collected-man", "merchant_name": "A Collected Man", "image_url": "https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0606/5325/files/Patek_Philippe_Perpetual_Calendar_Chronograph_3970EP_027_platinum_A_Collected_Man_London_Thumbnail_00_1.jpg?v=1739361866", "detail_url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/listing/h_14897798644089", "buy_url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/out/h_14897798644089", "available": false}], "auction_lots": [{"slug": "patek-philippe-3970ep-038-2023", "brand": "Patek Philippe", "reference": "3970EP-038", "model": "Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Special Edition", "case_material": "Platinum", "hammer_usd": 1800000, "year_sold": 2023, "venue": "Christie's Geneva", "lot_summary": "One of only four special-edition watches created in 2006 to celebrate the reopening of Patek Philippe's Geneva Salons, featuring a salmon dial.", "source_url": "https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6447821", "provenance": "ai_generated_grounded", "url": "https://mostexpensivewatches.net/auctions/patek-philippe-3970ep-038-2023"}]}