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Lot Essay
Fresh to market and from the original owner, the present Patek Philippe reference 3941 is perhaps one of the rarest perpetual calendar references ever made by Patek Philippe, and one of the least produced variants of the venerated reference 3940. Less than 50 examples of the 3941 have resurfaced to the market, making this timepiece an exciting and rare opportunity for the astute collector to own a well-preserved example.
The Reference 3941
The Patek Philippe Reference 3941 occupies a fascinating and highly coveted position within the lineage of the brand’s perpetual calendar wristwatches. Produced during a brief transitional period from 1986-1990, the reference was conceived for discerning collectors who wished to admire the intricacies of Patek Philippe’s revered perpetual calendar movement—at a time when the manufacture had not yet standardized the offering of interchangeable solid and sapphire crystal casebacks. As such, the 3941 stands as an early and deliberate embrace of transparency, revealing the beautifully finished caliber 240-Q through the sapphire snap-on caseback. Manufactured in exceedingly small numbers, with fewer than 50 examples known to the market, the reference is further distinguished by subtle yet notable dial variations across its production. This combination of rarity, technical significance, and nuanced aesthetic diversity firmly establishes the 3941 as one of the most elusive and intellectually compelling perpetual calendars ever made by Patek Philippe.
The Reference 3940
Launched in 1985 and discontinued in 2007, the reference 3940 has always been a beloved timepiece by collectors and is a 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 watch was incredibly slim at 9 mm., thanks to the caliber 240-Q movement with a 22k gold micro-rotor. The design of the dials, in-line with many Patek Philippe references, has evolved over its 20-years of production resulting in four clearly defined series and some rare variations.
The Reference 3941
The Patek Philippe Reference 3941 occupies a fascinating and highly coveted position within the lineage of the brand’s perpetual calendar wristwatches. Produced during a brief transitional period from 1986-1990, the reference was conceived for discerning collectors who wished to admire the intricacies of Patek Philippe’s revered perpetual calendar movement—at a time when the manufacture had not yet standardized the offering of interchangeable solid and sapphire crystal casebacks. As such, the 3941 stands as an early and deliberate embrace of transparency, revealing the beautifully finished caliber 240-Q through the sapphire snap-on caseback. Manufactured in exceedingly small numbers, with fewer than 50 examples known to the market, the reference is further distinguished by subtle yet notable dial variations across its production. This combination of rarity, technical significance, and nuanced aesthetic diversity firmly establishes the 3941 as one of the most elusive and intellectually compelling perpetual calendars ever made by Patek Philippe.
The Reference 3940
Launched in 1985 and discontinued in 2007, the reference 3940 has always been a beloved timepiece by collectors and is a 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 watch was incredibly slim at 9 mm., thanks to the caliber 240-Q movement with a 22k gold micro-rotor. The design of the dials, in-line with many Patek Philippe references, has evolved over its 20-years of production resulting in four clearly defined series and some rare variations.