Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1991
    Reference No: 3940
    Movement No: 772'823
    Case No: 2'905'124
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240Q, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold, Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPCo
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated November 8, 1991, product literature, leather wallet, winding box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One of the most iconic perpetual calendars, Patek Philippe’s ref 3940, launched in 1985, follows the footsteps of reference 3448 (and its upgraded brethren 3450), and is the second automatic perpetual calendar created by Patek Philippe.

    Compared to the previous iterations, both case and dials have been completely rethought. The slim, stepped, elegant and understated Calatrava case gives the watch a definitive modern flair, the calendar functions on the dial are indicated via subdials and no longer apertures.

    Powered by what was then the all-new, ultra-thin calibre 240, Patek Philippe’s first movement to use a micro-rotor, it enabled an elegant and very thin case that fit tightly to the wrist. The reference 3940 was a smashing success, in production for over two decades, where it appealed to a new generation of enthusiasts who wanted to advance beyond their fathers’ timepieces.

    The present watch, part of the second series, featuring a cross hair leap year indication, sunken subdials and two tone 24h indicator is housed in a rare white gold case in absolutely stunning condition with deep hallmarks on the case side and is delivered with its Certificate of Origin and winding box.

  • 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.

    View More Works

87

Ref. 3940
A rare and attractive white gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moonphases, certificate of origin and presentation box

1991
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 45,000 
€23,200-41,700
$27,200-49,000

Sold for CHF52,920

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020