Patek Philippe’s reference 3939 is perhaps the most understated complicated wristwatch produced from the end of the millennium. Like a wolf in sheep’s clothes, the round small case and simple dial mask the fact that this timepiece is one of the most complicated and sought after creations from Patek Philippe. Setting this coveted reference apart is its possibly unique, stunningly attractive black dial. The vivid red graphics used for the dial’s text, outer minutes scale, and seconds sub-dial, along with the gorgeous applied gold Breguet numerals, shine brilliantly above the deep black dial's surface.

Two discreet lines of text found at 6 o’clock – Tourbillon and the movement number – provide a subtle hint to the extraordinary masterpiece of mechanical watchmaking housed within. The watch is fitted with a prestigious tourbillon escapement - visible only on the back similar to all other Patek Philippe tourbillon watches - and a minute repeating mechanism with crystal clear two gong chimes manufactured entirely in-house within Patek Philippe’s factories.

The present lot was originally born with a white dial and Breguet numerals but had the dial changed to the present with red lettering during a service at the Patek Philippe workshops in 2001 as confirmed by the Extract from the Archives. We are aware of another model with similar features (black dial and red lettering), a Patek Philippe reference 5016 and believe that the ref 5016 and the present lot were originally a set for a collector having requested the dial change.

Housed in an exquisite platinum case, its charismatic, flared lugs are a modern reinterpretation of Patek’s minute repeating wristwatches from the mid-20th century. Surprisingly thin and beautifully proportioned, it was a true technical feat to design and produce a movement of such horological complexity to fit within its 33 mm case diameter. When considering the reference’s overall rarity, combined with its unique dial, the present example is a must have for the discerning collector of highly complicated wristwatches.