The year 1989 was a big one for the Swiss watch industry. Not only did it mark Patek Philippe’s 150th anniversary, but it also is generally regarded as the start of the mechanical watchmaking renaissance. Reference 3974, a 36 mm grand complication in gold or platinum—equipped with an automatic movement containing a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, 24-hour indication, and moonphases—played a significant role in that history.
The movement in Ref. 3974, Caliber 27RQ, consisted of 467 parts, but its case was even more special than the mechanics of the watch, made for Patek Philippe by the legendary casemaker Jean-Pierre Hagmann. Discontinued in 2000, the reference is thought to have been made in just 160 examples. Most remain in private hands. When a piece comes to market, you’d better believe it inspires a bidding frenzy.
From the article by Allen Farmelo, Paige Reddinger, Victoria Gomelsky, Oren Hartov, Blake Buettner
