Patek Philippe Minute Repeater, 3979J, Yellow Gold

Name: Minute Repeater | 3979J | Yellow Gold
Brand: Patek Philippe
SKU: CMBYG_P1731
Price: 195000.00 GBP
Availability: OutOfStock

Created as part of a selection of watches for Patek Philippe's 150th anniversary, this Minute Repeater 3979J* is part of a small number of just 100 watches, and possibly would have been one of the first 10 made. With a coveted Jean-Pierre Hagmann case, this classically-styled watch pays tribute to Patek Philippe's heritage, as one of great makers of minute repeaters. This watch comes from the original owner and with various accompanying materials, including a Certificate of Origin stamped by Watches of Switzerland in Knightsbridge, London.

Worth Reading

This Patek Philippe Minute Repeater 3979J was made in honour of the manufacture's 150th anniversary. The reference was produced between the years of 1989 and 2002, with this example having been sold in 1990. It is believed that under 100 pieces were made, with most found in yellow gold. A few sources note that the serial numbers for this reference start at 1,904,000, and the serial number found on this example suggests the watch is among the first 10 made of the reference.

Overall, the style of this piece is quintessentially classic, with a white porcelain dial and deep black Roman numerals, with a corresponding minute track and seconds sub-dial placed at 6 o'clock. In keeping with the early number of this piece, the case was made by Jean-Pierre Hagmann, a legendary casemaker known for the quality and excellence of the minute repeater cases he created for Patek Philippe. It is understood that later cases for the 3979 were made by a different casemaker, making this one of the few to bear the coveted maker's mark. The minute repeater is activated via a slider on the case at 9 o'clock, while the initials 'JPH' can be found stamped on the inside of the solid caseback.

This example comes with both open and solid casebacks, allowing for a certain level of versatility on the part of the wearer. Through the open caseback, the calibre R27 PS is visible, with a stylised Calatrava Cross seen integrated into the movement, alongside the two hammers that chime the hours and minutes.

The watch comes from the original owner, who made the purchase through Watches of Switzerland in Knightsbridge, London. The retailer name is stamped on the original paperwork, which is accompanied by an envelope addressed to the manager of the boutique at the time.

Specifications

Closer look

Brand:	Patek Philippe
Model:	Minute Repeater ref. 3979J
Movement:	automatic calibre R27 with micro rotor
Functions:	minute repeater, hours, minutes, sub-seconds
Features:	Hagmann case, display back, extra solid caseback, porcelain dial
Case material:	yellow gold
Case diameter:	33mm
Crystal:	sapphire front & back
Strap:	Patek Philippe black alligator strap, bespoke A Collected Man strap upon request, Patek Philippe yellow gold pin buckle
Lug width:	16 x 14mm
Year:	1990 (sold)
Accompanying materials:	Patek Philippe burgundy small outer box, Patek Philippe burgundy small inner leather box, Patek Philippe burgundy large outer box, Patek Philippe burgundy large inner leather box, burgundy leather folio, additional caseback, hangtag, Certificate of Origin (stamped and dated), advertising/branding material, movement manual

Condition

This Patek Philippe Minute Repeater is in very good condition throughout. Light superficial marks can be seen on the case and lugs,consistent with minimal wear over time. More notably a very small ding on the side of the lower left lug. The porcelain dial, hands, and movement are free from any signs of imperfection. On both the outside and inside of the solid caseback the hallmarks, Hagmann signature, and engravings are very crisp and well defined, likely never worn with the watch.

Warranty

The watch comes with a two-year, limited warranty from A Collected Man, alongside a lifetime guarantee of authenticity.

The Art of Casemaking

Often described as “celebrated” in auction catalogues, Jean-Pierre Hagmann is one of the most fabled casemakers of the 20th century. Over the span of his career, he has made watch cases for almost every significant watch brand in Switzerland, having earned particular renown for the minute repeater cases he made for Patek Philippe. It is said their sound quality is unparalleled. Today, the watch cases that bear his makers mark, "JHP", have become semi-mythical among collectors. We sat down with the man himself to discuss the art of casemaking, the constraints of working independently and how he happens to restore old motorbikes in his spare time.

So, you innovate through simplification…

In a way, yes. I’ve found myself upgrading certain ideas or concepts, which others quickly copied. But funnily enough, they didn’t even know they were copying me anymore.

Because it became common practice?

Yes, for example, on classical minute repeater watches, the slide is mounted on the surface of the case side, attached on the inside with a screw. I saw that this was frequently unstable and created an off-centre alignment. So, I threw all of that out for a much simpler solution.

Which was?

I introduced a channel for the slide, both to secure its lateral position and guide its motion when in use. You see, it’s through simplification that innovation is found. I created some minute repeaters for Patek Philippe using this mechanism, with the technique now having become standard practice within the manufacture.