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Lot Essay
This superb reference 3940R is one of less than 40 known examples of the second series automatic perpetual calendar moon phase cased in pink gold. Moreover, the present watch is not only preserved in fantastic original condition but it is also accompanied by the original Certificate of Origin bearing the typed date code for August 1993. The second series of reference 3940 began in 1988 with movement number 771,000 and case number 2’848’***.
The dial is the wonderful and mellow silky opaline finish called ‘Opaline Soyeux’ by Patek Philippe and features the later second series bevelled subsidiary dials, two-tone 24-hour sector, leap-year dial with quarter separations and the designation ‘Swiss’ flanked by ‘Aprior’ marks printed underneath the beady minute divisions. The pink gold case, so rarely seen on reference 3940 is sublime, its pale gold colour perfectly complements the dial, the epitome of neo-vintage luxury and discreet good taste.
Launched in 1985 and discontinued in 2007, the reference 3940 has always been a much-loved watch by collectors and is a highly significant reference in the modern history of Patek Philippe. The 3940’s reputation is further enhanced by the fact that the then head of the company, Philippe Stern, chose to wear the model as his everyday watch.
Patek Philippe Ref. 3940
Reference 3940, the quintessential perpetual calendar distinguished by its timeless elegance, is undeniably amongst Patek Philippe's greatest classics. Launched in 1985 as replacement for reference 3450, it was at the time the slimmest automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch thanks to the Cal. 240-Q movement with a 22k gold micro-rotor.
An initial series of around 100 pieces were manufactured between 1984 and 1985, the first 25 were especially made for the 225th anniversary of Patek Philippe's retailer Chronometrie Beyer in Zurich, numbered and personalized. Starting in 1985, reference 3940 went into standard production. Until the model's discontinuation in 2007 when it was replaced by reference 5140 three further series were produced.
Literature
Examples of reference 3940, both regular and the Chronometrie Beyer anniversary version, are illustrated and described in: Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches - Volume II, p. 300, and in: Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp 292 - 294.
The dial is the wonderful and mellow silky opaline finish called ‘Opaline Soyeux’ by Patek Philippe and features the later second series bevelled subsidiary dials, two-tone 24-hour sector, leap-year dial with quarter separations and the designation ‘Swiss’ flanked by ‘Aprior’ marks printed underneath the beady minute divisions. The pink gold case, so rarely seen on reference 3940 is sublime, its pale gold colour perfectly complements the dial, the epitome of neo-vintage luxury and discreet good taste.
Launched in 1985 and discontinued in 2007, the reference 3940 has always been a much-loved watch by collectors and is a highly significant reference in the modern history of Patek Philippe. The 3940’s reputation is further enhanced by the fact that the then head of the company, Philippe Stern, chose to wear the model as his everyday watch.
Patek Philippe Ref. 3940
Reference 3940, the quintessential perpetual calendar distinguished by its timeless elegance, is undeniably amongst Patek Philippe's greatest classics. Launched in 1985 as replacement for reference 3450, it was at the time the slimmest automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch thanks to the Cal. 240-Q movement with a 22k gold micro-rotor.
An initial series of around 100 pieces were manufactured between 1984 and 1985, the first 25 were especially made for the 225th anniversary of Patek Philippe's retailer Chronometrie Beyer in Zurich, numbered and personalized. Starting in 1985, reference 3940 went into standard production. Until the model's discontinuation in 2007 when it was replaced by reference 5140 three further series were produced.
Literature
Examples of reference 3940, both regular and the Chronometrie Beyer anniversary version, are illustrated and described in: Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches - Volume II, p. 300, and in: Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber & Alan Banbery, second edition, pp 292 - 294.