Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1986
    Reference No: 3941
    Movement No: 770'409
    Case No: 2'823'670
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240Q, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture in 1986 and subsequent sale on January 16th, 1987, setting pin, leather folder, product literature and felt pouch.
    Literature: For another example of a reference 3941, please see Patek Philippe Wristwatches by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery, pages 292 and 293.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 1985 Patek Philippe introduced its new perpetual calendars, references 3940 and 3941, whose designs were a complete break from the brand’s iconic perpetual calendars first launched in 1941 with reference 1526.

    These new models featured an elegant slim stepped case. The days and months were no longer indicated through an aperture on the top part of the dial but via two subdials at 9 and 3 o’clock respectively.

    Reference 3940 features a solid case back whereas reference 3941 is fitted with a glazed display back. These glazed display backs are not numbered and Patek Philippe applied the case numbers inside the case underneath the bezel. In response to an increasing demand for both case backs, Patek Philippe later produced the model with both case back options. Production of reference 3941 ceased in 1990 as there was no longer a difference between the two models, and consequently very few examples bearing reference 3941 exist. In fact research shows that only 35 models of this reference are known to date.

    The present watch is part of the earlier series, featuring sunken subdials. In excellent condition and accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin, the present lot offers a unique opportunity to own not only a very rare reference, but also one of Patek Philippe’s very early modern perpetual calendars.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    Since 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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Σ25

Ref. 3941
A fine and very rare yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with leap year indicator, moonphases, 24 hours, glazed caseback and original certificate

1986
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€18,500-37,100
$19,800-39,600

Sold for CHF56,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017