In 1985 Patek Philippe introduced their new perpetual calendars references 3940 and 3941. Featuring an elegant and slim stepped case, the timepiece presents a decidedly more "modern" and less angular appearance than its predecessor, reference 3450.

Reference 3940 and 3941 distinguished themselves mainly through one unique difference, that being the caseback. Reference 3940 features a solid case back whereas reference 3941 is fitted with a glazed display back, like the present example. Interestingly, these caseback are un-numbered, hence Patek Philippe applying the numbers inside the case underneath the bezel. With an increasing demand for both casebacks, Patek Philippe later produced the model with both case back options subsequently ceasing production of the reference 3941 in in 1990 as there was no longer a difference between the two models. The short production run definitely contributed to the existence of only very few examples, with research suggesting that only 35 models of this reference are known to date.

Highly complicated and visually striking, the timepiece is made alive thanks to the ultra-thin automatic perpetual calendar movement caliber 240Q. A triumph of micro-engineering from Patek Philippe, it was one of the smallest and thinnest movements on the market at the time coming with a Geneva seal.

In excellent overall condition and accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin, the present Patek Philippe reference 3941 is a unique opportunity to own not only a very rare reference, but also one of Patek Philippe’s very early modern perpetual calendars.

To the best of our knowledge the present watch is the only known reference 3941 with Beyer dial to come on the market.