113Σ
Patek Philippe
Ref. 3940G-013
A rare and extremely well-preserved white gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phase, Certificate of Origin, additional solid back, hang tag, and presentation box
- Estimate
- $25,000 - 50,000
$76,200
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Patek Philippe
- Year
- Circa 2006
- Reference No
- 3940G-013
- Movement No
- 3’128’777
- Case No
- 4’348’974
- Material
- 18K white gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 240, 27 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K white gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 36mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated February 13, 2008, leather folio, product literature, leather self-winding presentation box, additional solid back, 18K white gold setting pin, and outer packaging. Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 2006 and its subsequent sale on July 18th, 2006.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
First launched in 1985, reference 3940 replaced the existing perpetual calendar wristwatch, the reference 3450. Featuring a circular-shaped case, the watch presented a decidedly more "modern" and less angular appearance than its predecessor. At the time of manufacture, it was amongst one of Patek Philippe's longest running references ever produced, ceasing production in approximately 2007. The reference was cased predominantly in yellow gold, as well as pink gold, white gold, and platinum.
The reference 3940 was executed in three different series (and a very small “pre-series”):
- Pre-series: 25 numbered Beyer pieces with gilt dial
- First series: without second case back, sunken sub dials, 24-hour counter two-tone
- Second series: with second back (all but platinum), sloped sub dials, 24-hour counter two-tone
- Third series: with second back (all but platinum), sloped sub dials, monochrome 24-hour counter
The present watch falls within the serial number range for the third series - one of the earliest serial numbers to coincide with the third series, but features the two-tone 24-hour counter typical of the first and second series. We can then hypothesize that the present watch is a "transitional" example with features from the end of the second series and beginning of the third series.
Preserved in like new condition, this reference 3940 is offered for the first time at auction directly from the original owner, who purchased it in 2008 - after the discontinuation of the model. With crisp case hallmarks beneath the lugs, and a clean, well-preserved dial, this lovely example is sure to please any collector and offers an excellent opportunity to own a desirable version of a classic perpetual calendar timepiece.
The reference 3940 was executed in three different series (and a very small “pre-series”):
- Pre-series: 25 numbered Beyer pieces with gilt dial
- First series: without second case back, sunken sub dials, 24-hour counter two-tone
- Second series: with second back (all but platinum), sloped sub dials, 24-hour counter two-tone
- Third series: with second back (all but platinum), sloped sub dials, monochrome 24-hour counter
The present watch falls within the serial number range for the third series - one of the earliest serial numbers to coincide with the third series, but features the two-tone 24-hour counter typical of the first and second series. We can then hypothesize that the present watch is a "transitional" example with features from the end of the second series and beginning of the third series.
Preserved in like new condition, this reference 3940 is offered for the first time at auction directly from the original owner, who purchased it in 2008 - after the discontinuation of the model. With crisp case hallmarks beneath the lugs, and a clean, well-preserved dial, this lovely example is sure to please any collector and offers an excellent opportunity to own a desirable version of a classic perpetual calendar timepiece.
Patek Philippe
Swiss | 1839Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
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