Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 2001
    Reference No: 3940J-022
    Movement No: 3’125’375
    Case No: 4’130’914
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 Q, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped The Watch Gallery PTY Ltd, Hong Kong and dated 6th June 2002, setting pin, additional solid caseback, instruction manual, leather folio, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The legendary reference 3940 was born in 1985 during a time of global economic recession when the watch industry was still suffering from the quartz crisis. In a bold move embracing the brand's heritage, Patek Philippe turned to the production of this highly complicated wristwatch, laying the ground for the subsequent production of modern grand complications. Until its discontinuation in 2007, this was one of the brand's longest running references ever. Worn daily by Philippe Stern, the 3940 is a remarkable watch emblematic of the extraordinary history and perpetuation of Patek Philippe.

    Featuring a classic aesthetic that sits between tradition and modernity, the present 3940 boasts a lacquered white dial with black Roman numerals and “tram track” style outer minute ring, a configuration that appears rarely across the different case metals including yellow gold, white gold, platinum, and pink gold. Inside the case, the 3940 is powered by the legendary caliber 240 Q, the first movement featuring a micro-rotor that was ultra-thin according to past standards. Observable from the sapphire caseback, the present example features the slightly modified calibre 240/114 that was introduced in the third series in the early 90’s.

    Presented in exceptional condition and complete with its full and original set of accessories, the present reference 3940J from circa 2001 is an exemplary example adorned with a beautiful layer of patina on the yellow gold case, deployant clasp and blued hands, emitting an intoxicating aureate glimmer. Rare and irresistible, this 3940J will undoubtedly appeal to the passionate collectors who seek outstanding horological icons.

    Please note that the proceeds of the sale of the present watch will be given by the Consignor to various charities.

  • 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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Property from the Original Owner

Σ965

Ref. 3940J-022
,A fine and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, leap year, 24-hour indication, Certificate of Origin, additional solid caseback, setting pin and presentation box

Circa 2001
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 320,000 
€19,200-38,400
$20,500-41,000

Sold for HK$279,400

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024