Patek Philippe - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 2006
    Reference No: 3940G-025
    Movement No: 3’127’478
    Case No: 4’260’804
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 Q, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated February 28, 2006, confirming white dial, Roman numerals, and English language indications, product literature, leather folio, additional solid caseback, setting pin, fitted presentation box, and outer box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The reference 3940 is part of Patek Philippe’s extraordinary history producing complicated timepieces reaching back to the first serially produced perpetual calendar wristwatch, the reference 1526 in 1941. First launched in 1985, the reference 3940 replaced Patek Philippe’s existing perpetual calendar wristwatch, the reference 3450. Featuring a circular-shaped case, the new model presented a decidedly more "modern" aesthetic with a less angular design than its predecessor. Until its discontinuation, it was one of Patek Philippe's longest running references ever.

    Though white gold examples are rare, the present lot’s rarity and aesthetic appeal is enhanced by the highly interesting lacquered white dial with applied black Roman numerals and blackened handset. Visually quite striking, examples with this dial configuration appear rarely across the different case metals. Further, this 3940 – from the very end of the production period – is accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin confirming the Roman dial, as well as its additional solid caseback and setting pin.

  • 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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Σ84

Ref. 3940G-025
An unusual and rare white gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with Roman numerals, moon phase, Certificate of Origin, additional solid caseback, setting pin, and presentation box

2006
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed

Estimate
$25,000 - 50,000 
CHF22,500-45,000
€23,400-46,800
HK$195,000-390,000
S$34,000-68,000

Sold for $38,100

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023