CIRCA: 1986
CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold
CASE DIAMETER: 36 mm.
DIAL: Silvered
MOVEMENT: Automatic
FUNCTIONS: Perpetual calendar, moon phases, 24-hour and leap year indication
BUCKLE: Later added yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle
BOX: No
PAPERS: No
WITH: Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1986 and its subsequent sale on 9 June 1986
REMARK: First series, approx. 1'300 pieces made

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie's International SA

Brought to you by

Lot Essay

Introduced in 1985 and discontinued in 2007, the reference 3940 holds a special place in the brand's modern history. A favorite among collectors, its reputation is further elevated by the fact that Philippe Stern, then head of Patek Philippe, personally wore the model as his daily timepiece.

The present example belongs to the very rare and highly coveted 'first series'. Based on our research, approximately 1'300 'first series' pieces were produced, with only 82 known in yellow gold. These timepieces feature flat, sunken subsidiary dials for the 24-hour and leap year indicators. Later series were revised with the four sectors of the leap year indicator divided by a central cross.

Reference 3940
Launched alongside its sister model, (reference 3970 perpetual calendar chronograph), the 3940 debuted during a time when few complicated wristwatches were being made and the mechanical watch revival hadn't completely begun.

The watch maintains a remarkably slim profile at 9 mm., made possible by the Caliber 240-Q movement with a 22k gold micro-rotor. Over its 20-year production run, the 3940 saw a series of subtle changes, resulting in three distinct series and a few rare variations.

More from

Watches Online: The Geneva Edit

View All

Condition report

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

I confirm that I have read this Important Notice regarding Condition Reports and agree to its terms.

View Condition Report

The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

Movement: The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing; however, a service is recommended. Christie’s does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
Dial: Very good. Hands with light signs of handling and light oxidation.
Case: Signs of wear and scratches on the bends, lugs and bezel. The case back with scratches. Polished in the past. Hallmarks are not visible anymore.
Buckle: Later added Patek Philippe buckle, with scratches and dents.
Strap: The watch is sold and delivered with a Christie's branded strap; the original strap is not included in the sale.

Should you require additional details or pictures, please contact a specialist.

The condition of lots sold in our auctions can vary widely due to factors such as age, previous damage, restoration, repair and wear and tear. Their nature means that they will rarely be in perfect condition. Lots are sold "as is," in the condition they are in at the time of the sale, without any representation or warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to condition by Christie's or by the seller. Any reference to condition in a catalogue entry or in a condition report will not amount to a full description of condition, and images may not show a lot clearly. Colours and shades may look different in print or on screen to how they look on physical inspection. Condition reports may be available to help you evaluate the condition of a lot. Condition reports are provided free of charge as a convenience to our buyers and are for guidance only. They offer our opinion but they may not refer to all faults, inherent defects, restoration, alteration or adaptation because our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. For that reason they are not an alternative to examining a lot in person or taking your own professional advice. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have requested, received and considered any condition report.

Print Report