Patek Philippe - Disruptors: Evening Sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Design and Watches Hong Kong Thursday, May 25, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1987
    Reference No: 3940
    Movement No: 770’765
    Case No: 2’839’221
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240Q, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin date coded November 1987, Patek Philippe Japan Registered Guarantee stamped Daimaru Dept. Shinsaibashi Store Osaka and dated August 1994, service invoice dated February 2020, setting pin, instruction manual, product literature, leather folio, cloth, travel pouch, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1985 under the tutelage of Mr. Philippe Stern, the ref. 3940 is arguably one of the most iconic models that Patek Philippe has ever produced, and marked a design shift for the manufacturer's perpetual calendar models. The slim, stepped, elegant and understated Calatrava case gives the watch a refined yet modern flair.

    Inside, the timepiece is powered by the then ultra-thin cal. 240Q, Patek Philippe’s first movement to use a micro-rotor. Such versatility, lightness and slenderness did not compromise the movement’s exceptional reliability at all, in fact, the timepiece boasts an incredible 48-hour power reserve. Measuring 36mm in diameter, the timepiece is extremely comfortable on the wrist and can be dressed up or down according to the occasion.

    Encased in a lovely yellow gold case, the present watch from circa 1987 is offered with its Certificate of Origin and was subsequently sold in Osaka as indicated by its Patek Philippe Japan registered guarantee, dated August 1994. Bearing a movement number of 770’765 and a case number of 2’839’221, this timepiece is the 104th example from the first series that has resurfaced in the market. Delivered with its full set of accessories, the stunning ref. 3940 at hand is preserved in excellent overall condition, offering collectors a fantastic opportunity to acquire a coveted, elegant and timeless perpetual calendar timepiece.

  • 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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Σ330

Ref. 3940
A rare and attractive yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, leap year, 24-hour indication, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

Circa 1987
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 400,000 
€23,500-46,900
$25,600-51,300

Sold for HK$508,000

Contact Specialist

Anastasia Salnikoff
Head of Mid-Season Sales
+852 2318 2014
anastasiasalnikoff@phillips.com
 

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Disruptors: Evening Sale of 20th Century & Contemporary Art, Design and Watches

Hong Kong Auction 25 May 2023