Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1987 Reference No: 3945/1 Movement No: 770’595 Case No: 2’834’429 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240Q, 27 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe integrated bracelet, max length 195mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe folding clasp Dimensions: 36mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe setting pin, outer packaging and fitted presentation box. Further delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1987 and its subsequent date of sale on 14th September 1987 with a bracelet in yellow gold.
Catalogue Essay
Released together with the iconic ref. 3940 in 1985, the ref. 3945/1 essentially bore the same elements and complications as the 3940, however featuring an integrated bracelet with the absence of lugs. Together with the ref. 3940, the reference was produced from 1985 until 2007 with a total three series across all metals. First series examples featured opalin silver dial, sunk registers, “obus” lapidated indexes and dauphine hands with approximately 1,300 examples made across all metals from 1985 to 1988.
The present example Patek Philippe ref. 3945/1 in yellow gold features an elegant bracelet from 1987. Ticking all the boxes of everything a first series example would have, the present example is delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives. Fresh-to-the-market and offered in well-preserved condition with a desirable “sunken” dial, this rare timepiece is a treat for lovers of perpetual calendars.
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.
Ref. 3945/1 A very fine and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, leap year indication, integrated bracelet and presentation box
1987 36mm diameter Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
