Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII Geneva Saturday, May 13, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1990
    Reference No: 3940R
    Movement No: 772'369
    Case No: 2'884'799
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240Q , 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Magasin Patek Philippe S.A. and Extract from the Archives confirming its production in 1990 and its subsequent sale on the 29th January, 1991, and presentation box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Patek Philippe reference 3940 was first released in 1985 in a limited edition of 25 pieces made specifically to commemorate the 225th Anniversary of Chronometrie Beyer, a Zurich-based retailer and long-time friend of the Maison. The first 25 models were numbered, with the dials stamped with Beyer and their series number. For its release, the timepiece was only available in yellow gold and was later made available also in pink gold, white gold, and platinum.

    Highly complicated and visually striking, the timepiece is made alive thanks to the ultra-thin automatic perpetual calendar movement caliber 240Q. A triumph of micro-engineering from Patek Philippe, it was one of the smallest and thinnest movements on the market at the time coming with a Geneva seal. At 36mm in diameter with a slim circular-shaped case the timepiece is extremely comfortable and elegant on the wrist.

    The present example of reference 3940R features an attractive and captivating early version within the second series dial. These series dials featured ‘beveled’ sunken sub-dials at the 3 and 9 positions with the Sigma position remaining below the outer track. Furthermore, it is noticeable that the Patek Philippe signature is slightly enlarged compared to the 1st series however the sub-dial font remains the same. Similarly to first series 3940's, early second series can be found with the original solid caseback, like the present example, or a requested sapphire caseback.

    Preserved in excellent overall condition, with the 24-hour sub-dial that has developed an attractive warm patina, its vintage charm, slim aesthetics and historical importance will certainly please any collector of new-vintage wristwatches.

  • 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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Σ150

Ref. 3940R
A rare, fine and attractive pink gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, leap year, 24-hour indication, additional solid caseback, certificate of origin and presentation box

1990
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 
€26,000-52,000
$28,600-57,100

Sold for CHF60,960

Contact Specialist

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

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVII

Geneva Auction 13 - 14 May 2023