First making its important debut in 1985, the Patek Philippe ref. 3940 was a true revelation being the first perpetual calendar by the firm with the newly innovated self-winding micro-rotor caliber 240Q. The reference was first released as a special limited edition of 25 pieces to celebrate the 225th anniversary of Patek Philippe retailer Chronometrie Beyer in Zurich. Released in series thereafter, the reference was offered in four precious metals including yellow gold, pink gold, white gold and platinum. The reference remained in production until 2007 with a total of four series produced across its production span.

The present example Patek Philippe ref. 3940 cased in yellow gold with a movement number 770’485 belongs to a rare example from the first series. Featuring a unique trait specific to early examples, it features sunken registers and a solid caseback. It is believed by scholars that only 1,300 examples of the reference were produced in the first series making them extremely sought-after and rare today. The present example is complete with its full set of accessories including its original Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Chronometrie Beyer dated 1987.