Lot Essay
To the best of our knowledge, this watch is the second known example bearing an "X" dial configuration to be publicly offered at auction.
The Patek Philippe 3940 is perhaps one of the greatest and most legendary classic wristwatches ever produced by the brand. Launched in 1984, the timepiece was revolutionary, featuring a perpetual calendar, moon phases, 24-hour, and leap year indicator which all fit incredibly into a compact 36mm case. Further, the timepiece remained slim at 8.8mm and featured automatic winding thanks to the esteemed caliber 240Q which utilized a decorated 22k microrotor. The legendary movement went on to power numerous future models and its base caliber can even be found in wristwatches of Patek Philippe’s present catalog.
Over its trialed 32-year production period, the timepiece underwent minor changes and improvements. Early 3940s had flat and sunken registers, along with a standard leap year indicator. The following series featured beveled day and month indicators, along with divided leap years such as seen in the present watch. However, a closer inspection reveals an incredible, special detail. Nearly all later 3940s utilize a “+” sign to divide the leap years, but the present lot utilizes an “X” divider. It is believed that these 3940s were prototype transitional watches when Patek Philippe was experimenting with their divider designs.
The Patek Philippe 3940 is perhaps one of the greatest and most legendary classic wristwatches ever produced by the brand. Launched in 1984, the timepiece was revolutionary, featuring a perpetual calendar, moon phases, 24-hour, and leap year indicator which all fit incredibly into a compact 36mm case. Further, the timepiece remained slim at 8.8mm and featured automatic winding thanks to the esteemed caliber 240Q which utilized a decorated 22k microrotor. The legendary movement went on to power numerous future models and its base caliber can even be found in wristwatches of Patek Philippe’s present catalog.
Over its trialed 32-year production period, the timepiece underwent minor changes and improvements. Early 3940s had flat and sunken registers, along with a standard leap year indicator. The following series featured beveled day and month indicators, along with divided leap years such as seen in the present watch. However, a closer inspection reveals an incredible, special detail. Nearly all later 3940s utilize a “+” sign to divide the leap years, but the present lot utilizes an “X” divider. It is believed that these 3940s were prototype transitional watches when Patek Philippe was experimenting with their divider designs.