Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 3940, First Series, Yellow Gold

The dial has three registers, with the various functions neatly balanced out. The sub-dial at three o'clock shows the leap-year counter and the months (in German), in a slightly recessed sub-register, giving depth to the otherwise lightly-brushed, opaline dial. This style of sub-register is unique to first-series dials. In a similar fashion, the months and day/night indicators are placed at nine o'clock. The stunning moon-phase is placed at six o'clock, with the days of the month around it. The gold dauphine hands add a touch of sharpness to what only can be described as a beautifully executed dial. Like the recessed subsidiary registers, the classic 'Patek Philippe' lettering also differs on first-series dials, using an earlier font type which is slightly narrower in height and longer in width. The overall look is perhaps the most refined and subtle of any 3940, without compromising functionality. 

Representing the best of Swiss design, the movement itself is no less a technical feat. This example has a solid case back, concealing the fantastic hand-finishing, the Genevian coat of arms and stripes, as well as the off-center, 22k gold micro-rotor. The ultra-thin, self-winding 240 Q base movement has been used by Patek Philippe since the 1970s, and continues to beat at the heart of their modern perpetual lines All of this (for the first series), concealed within a solid yellow gold caseback, hiding away the true beauty of the movement in a very elegant and traditional fashion.

Perpetual calendars are the authoritative complications of calendar watches. It's one of watchmaking’s true grand complications, and when Patek Philippe created the ref. 3940 in the mid-80s, perpetual calendars were scarce. With it, a standard for all modern perpetual calendars was established. Timeless, elegant and discontinued - the reference 3940 is an investment for life, to be worn - and appreciated, daily.

Viewings can be arranged in Central London by appointment.

Closer look

Brand:	Patek Philippe
Model:	Perpetual Calendar Ref. 3940 'first-series'
Movement:	mechanical automatic micro-rotor 240 Q
Year:	1987
Functions:	perpetual calendar: leap year indicator, month, date, day; moonphase, day/night indicators, hours, mintes
Features:	solid case-back, opaline dial
Case:	36 mm 18-carat yellow gold
Crystal:	sapphire front and back
Bracelet:	Patek Philippe black alligator strap, Marrakesh textured saffiano strap, original yellow-gold buckle
Box & papers:	original box and extract from the archives