REF. 3940J "FIRST SERIES" DORÉ DIAL SIGNED BEYER, MOVEMENT NO. 770'287, CASE NO. 2'831'431, MANUFACTURED IN 1986

Bringing the long standing partnership between Patek Philippe and Beyer Chronometrie into focus, this awesome ‘BEYER’ signed reference 3940 is highly important and perhaps unique among the already incredibly rare first series of the reference in being so far the only known example of a ‘non-anniversary’ first series reference 3940 with ‘BEYER’ signed dial. Eagle-eyed collectors will immediately realise the significance of any first series 3940 signed ‘Beyer’ on the dial. Of the earliest 3940 series of around 100 pieces that were thought to have been manufactured between 1984 and 1985, the first 25 were especially made for the 225th anniversary of Patek Philippe's retailer Chronometrie Beyer in Zurich, these first 25 watches were individually numbered below the moon phase aperture and also personalized with an engraved dedication on the back of the case. However, the present watch is not one of those 25 numbered and personalised Beyer edition watches, instead it is the only known example of a first series 3940 with its dial signed ‘Beyer’ only, without either edition number or inscription. This singular example was not made at the beginning of production like the Beyer anniversary watches, but towards the end of first series production, it is therefore likely to be a stand-alone rarity. Moreover, the dial is the much scarcer and subtly beautiful ‘dore’ gold colour rather than the opaline silver colour of most first series watches apart from the Beyer special edition, its calendar has days of the week printed in German, quite naturally a feature of Beyer retailed timepieces for the home market.

Following the earliest 100 watches of reference 3940 made in 1984-5, including the 25 ‘Beyer Anniversary’ watches, the first regular production series watches were made between 1985 and 1987 with movement numbers between 770’001 and 770’700. The importance of the present watch was unrecognized when it first appeared on the open market 8 years ago, with movement no. 770’287 was sold to Beyer on 2 December 1986 and sold by the retailer on 16 January 1987.

Undoubtedly one of the most significant and key watches of the entire first series reference 3940, this stunning example is a collector’s dream piece and the ultimate in exclusivity among neo-vintage Patek Philippe.

Ref. 3940
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. Reference 3940 is one of the most desirable neo-vintage Patek Philippe wristwatches of all, fully recognised as one of great complication models. The quintessential perpetual calendar distinguished by its timeless elegance, it 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. Up until the model's discontinuation in 2007 when it was replaced by reference 5140, three further series were produced.

Patek Philippe & Chronometrie Beyer
Beyer Watches and Jewellery located at Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich is the oldest watch shop in the world, privately owned since 1760.
The collaboration between the two companies dates back to the Geneva-based manufacturer's earliest years. It is in fact the longest-standing relationship forged by either company and, since the Stern family took over Patek Philippe in 1932, one of the most personal. “Theodor "Teddy" Beyer was very close to Patek Philippe’s owner and CEO Philippe Stern, together they they navigated some of the worst years for the Swiss watch industry. In recognition of the relationship, for the 225th anniversary of Beyer Chronometrie in 1985, Patek Philippe exceptionally allowed the first 25 pieces of the now-iconic reference 3940 perpetual calendar to be assigned to Beyer as a special edition. In July 2011, Beyer Chronometrie – and Zurich – was awarded the honour of opening the first retailer-managed Patek Philippe Boutique in Switzerland.