Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: Circa 1998 Reference No: 3939HP Movement No: 1’903’028 Case No: 2’972’541 Material: Platinum Calibre: Manual, cal. 27 PS, 28 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 33mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin stamped Patek Philippe SA Geneva and dated 24th February 1998, Control Officiel Suisse des Chronometres, instruction manual, hang tag, additional solid caseback, key, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Catalogue Essay
Small but mighty, the minute repeating tourbillon wristwatch, ref. 3939, is perhaps one of the most sought-after and complicated timepieces from the Patek Philippe catalogue. Framed in a platinum case, its clean silhouette with flared lugs is a modern adaptation of the manufacturer’s mid-century chiming wristwatches. The ability to fit a movement of such complexity into a 33mm case is no easy feat. Evidently, this stunning creation is an attestation to their transcendent mechanical prowess that only few can execute.
The in-house cal. RTO 27 PS is comprised of 336 individual components, fusing two of the most coveted complications, the minute repeater and the tourbillon. The minute repeating mechanism chimes in phase, producing a euphonious tone with unparalleled resonance. Boasting a glossy white enamel dial, the timeless elegance of the ref. 3939HP is enhanced by its applied white gold Breguet numerals and is an ideal contemporary example of Patek Philippe’s technical sophistication. Assembling a minute repeater typically requires 200 to 300 hours of work, and the gongs are known to display a rich, deep yet delicate resonance that Patek Philippe is best known for.
Research shows that approximately 65 pieces were made in platinum and only 25 examples have been identified. Fresh-to-the-market, the present ref. 3939HP is offered in excellent overall condition and is complete with its original accessories. Adding to its rarity, this example is further blessed with a beautifully aged small seconds hand, bringing an unusual metallic sheen to the dial.
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.
Ref. 3939HP An exceedingly rare, fine and attractive platinum minute repeating tourbillon wristwatch with small seconds, Breguet numerals, white enamel dial, Certificate of Origin and presentation box
Circa 1998 33mm diameter Case, dial, movement and buckle signed