First launched in 1985, the reference 3940 replaced Patek Philippe’s existing perpetual calendar wristwatch, the reference 3450. Featuring a circular-shaped case, the new model presented a decidedly more "modern" aesthetic with a less angular design than its predecessor. Until its discontinuation, it was among one of Patek Philippe's longest running references ever produced.
The reference 3940 was encased predominately in yellow gold, with fewer examples in pink and white gold, and very rarely in platinum. In 1985, the first 25 numbered wristwatches were produced to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the famed retailer Chronometrie Beyer in Zürich. That same year, Patek Philippe began standard production of the reference and continued to do so until 2007 when the brand replaced the 3940 with the larger 37mm diameter reference 5140 powered by the same caliber 240Q movement.
The present example is well-preserved and features a rare, lacquered dial with Roman numerals, and railway track outer minutes – specific to the 3940-017 reference. It is accompanied with its original accessories including the Certificate of Origin dated 2005 and stamped Hausmann Condotti, Roma, along with the fitted presentation box, and additional solid case back. The reference 3940 is part of Patek Philippe’s extraordinary history producing complicated timepieces reaching back to the first serially produced perpetual calendar wristwatch, the reference 1526 in 1941. Housed in a gold pink case, this watch with its uncommon dial will appeal to collectors who seek both exceptional and rare horological icons.