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Lot Essay
We are extremely excited to present to collectors one of the rarest of all Patek Philippe reference 3940 – a white gold first series example from 1987.
This superb reference 3940G is one of only perhaps two or three known examples of the first series automatic perpetual calendar moon phase cased in white gold. Moreover, it is preserved in fantastic original condition. So rare is the first series 3940 in white gold that it has an almost mythical status for Patek Philippe enthusiasts, undoubtedly one of the ultimate grails of the entire 22-year production of reference 3940, the present watch provides perhaps the only foreseeable opportunity to acquire a true Patek Philippe legend.
The first series of reference 3940 is greatly appreciated for its very individual old-school neo-vintage charm and partly hand finished production methods. The series began with movement number 770’001 and ended around 770’700. The present watch with movement number 770’498 was made in 1987 and sold on 30 June 1987, confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. Interestingly and reassuringly, the other confirmed first series white gold cased example has the ascending movement number 770’499, it was also sold in June 1987. One further example is recorded although no serial numbers are known for that watch, it is perhaps one of the two watches, including the present watch, already known.
Patek Philippe Ref. 3940
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.
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. Until the model's discontinuation in 2007 when it was replaced by reference 5140 three further series were produced.
This superb reference 3940G is one of only perhaps two or three known examples of the first series automatic perpetual calendar moon phase cased in white gold. Moreover, it is preserved in fantastic original condition. So rare is the first series 3940 in white gold that it has an almost mythical status for Patek Philippe enthusiasts, undoubtedly one of the ultimate grails of the entire 22-year production of reference 3940, the present watch provides perhaps the only foreseeable opportunity to acquire a true Patek Philippe legend.
The first series of reference 3940 is greatly appreciated for its very individual old-school neo-vintage charm and partly hand finished production methods. The series began with movement number 770’001 and ended around 770’700. The present watch with movement number 770’498 was made in 1987 and sold on 30 June 1987, confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. Interestingly and reassuringly, the other confirmed first series white gold cased example has the ascending movement number 770’499, it was also sold in June 1987. One further example is recorded although no serial numbers are known for that watch, it is perhaps one of the two watches, including the present watch, already known.
Patek Philippe Ref. 3940
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.
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. Until the model's discontinuation in 2007 when it was replaced by reference 5140 three further series were produced.