Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE Geneva Friday, May 12, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1991
    Reference No: 3940
    Movement No: 772'798
    Case No: 2'891'008
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240Q, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle stamped PPCo and folding deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, buckle and folding deployant clasp stamped
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe fitted presentation box, Certificate of Origin dated 11 October 1991 confirming production of the present watch with opaline dial and gold indexes, pouch and product literature. Further accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with opaline silvered dial, yellow gold indexes "English Version" in 1991 and its subsequent sale on 11 October 1991.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First launched in 1985, reference 3940 replaced the existing perpetual calendar wristwatch, reference 3450. Featuring a circular-shaped case, the watch presented a decidedly more "modern" and less angular appearance than its predecessor. At the time of manufacture, it was among one of Patek Philippe's longest running references ever produced, ceasing production in approximately 2007. The reference was cased predominantly in yellow gold, as well as pink gold, white gold and platinum.

    The present watch is a second series example. Manufactured in 1991, it features an opaline silvered dial and a "cross" in the leap year indiction. The Patek Philippe signature is slightly larger, and the watch does not feature "sunken" registers like first series examples do.

    Preserved in excellent condition, this watch features two sharp hallmarks to the band in addition to the case maker's mark and a gold mark beneath the lug. It is furthermore accompanied with its original accessories including the Certificate of Origin, fitted presentation box, wallet and even an additional Patek Philippe folding deployant clasp.

    To our knowledge, it is the first time the present watch has appeared on the auction market.

  • 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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Ref. 3940
A rare yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, presentation box and original certificate

1991
36mm. Diameter
Case, dial, movement, buckle and folding deployant clasp stamped

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€18,500-27,800
$19,800-29,700

Sold for CHF31,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

The Geneva Watch Auction: FIVE

Geneva Auctions 13 – 14 May 2017