Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT Hong Kong Monday, May 27, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1987
    Reference No: 3940
    Movement No: 770'930
    Case No: 2'844'771
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240Q, 27 jewels, stamped with the Geneva Seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped by Milan retailer Gobbi 1842 s.r.l. and dated April 1, 1988. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1987 and subsequent sale on February 17, 1988

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Patek Philippe ref. 3940 is by all means one of the most iconic models created by the manufacturer. Debuted in 1985 under the reins of Mr. Philippe Stern, ref. 3940 represented a shift in design for the Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar watches. No longer sharp and elongated, the case transformed into a design that is reminiscent of the Calatrava model. 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.

    Manufactured in 1987, the present watch is a fine example from the first series. To our knowledge, the present watch is fresh to the auction market. Preserved in excellent condition, this watch is further accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin, and even an additional Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1987 and subsequent sale on February 17, 1988.

  • 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

Σ1139

Ref. 3940
A fine, very rare and early yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases, 24 hours indication and certificate

1987
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 230,000 
€18,000-25,900
$20,500-29,500

Sold for HK$362,500

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: EIGHT

Hong Kong Auction 28 May 2019