Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII Hong Kong Thursday, November 25, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1986
    Reference No: 3940
    Movement No: 770’141
    Case No: 2’824’908
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 240 Q, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Patek Philippe deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe service invoice, slipcase, travel pouch. Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1986 and its subsequent date of sale on 30th May 1986.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Patek Philippe reference 3940 is undeniably one of the most iconic self-winding perpetual calendar launched in 1985, produced in four metals: yellow, pink, white gold and platinum, the reference was cased predominantly in yellow gold and remained in production until 2007. Debuted as a successor for the ref. 3450 with the all-new ultra-thin micro-rotor, the reference was first produced for famed retailer Chronometrie Beyer in Zürich in a limited edition of 25 pieces to celebrate its 225th anniversary, each individually numbered bearing the Beyer signature on the dial. Sought after by collectors, the reference then followed three series with nuances during each evolution.

    The present ref. 3940 bearing a movement number 770’141 belongs to the first series with a production of no more than 1300 pieces. These early specimens featured flat, sunken subsidiary dials displaying 24-hour indicator as well as the leap year indicator, later models will have a cross dividing the four sectors of the leap year. Delivered with the Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture and sale date in the Spring of 1986, the present specimen is preserved in an excellent condition. With subsidiary dials that have developed an attractive warm patina that further elevated its vintage charm that will sure please any collector of iconic 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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Σ850

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

1986
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$272,000 - 428,000 
€30,100-47,400
$34,900-54,900

Sold for HK$617,400

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIII

Hong Kong Auctions 25-26 November 2021