Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 2004
    Reference No: 3940
    Movement No: 3'127'413
    Case No: 4'283'275
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed, dial further signed by retailer
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin typed Tiffany & Co., setting pin and presentation box. Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 2004 with opaline dial, white gold laped indexes and dot minute track and its subsequent sale on September 30, 2004

  • Catalogue Essay

    First launched in 1985, reference 3940 replaced the existing perpetual calendar wristwatch, 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 among 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 very rarely and exclusively, in platinum.

    This platinum reference 3940 is distinguished by the coveted Tiffany & Co. script within the date ring at 6 o'clock. Preserved in excellent condition, it is offered with its Certificate of Origin confirming its sale at Tiffany & Co. To the best of our knowledge, the present watch is the only platinum 3940 with the Tiffany & Co. signature at 6 o'clock, underscoring its absolute rarity.

  • 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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Ref. 3940
The only known and attractive platinum perpetual calendar wristwatch with original certificate, retailed by Tiffany & Co.

2004
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed, dial further signed by retailer

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 60,000 
€35,600-53,400
$40,300-60,400

Sold for CHF112,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019