Pre-Owned Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar

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WHY WE LOVE IT

What you’re looking at is arguably one of the most beautiful perpetual calendar watches ever made, full stop. And perhaps one of the most important, too. 

The reference 3940 was born in 1985, at a time when the watch world was in the midst of the Quartz Crisis and most brands were churning out inexpensive, battery-powered watches — and struggling to stay afloat. Alas, Patek Philippe was never one to follow the crowd, and released both the ref. 3940 perpetual calendar and the ref. 3970 perpetual calendar chronograph with in-house, micro-rotor-equipped automatic movements — a gauntlet drop if ever there was one. 

Made in several series and different metals, the watch we have here is a 3940G-001. Housed in a 36mm white gold case, it features a sapphire crystal, signed crown, a polished bezel, and one hell of a dial: Opaline silver with white applied white gold indices and matching 'dauphine' handset, it has a combination month/leap year indicator at 3:00; a moon phase/date wheel at 6:00; and a day/24-hour indicator at 9:00. Simple, elegant and refined, it’s a design that was positively revolutionary in the 1980s, and still looks stunning today. (By the way, it’s also a highly desirable ‘sigma’ dial, with the Greek letters indicating the presence of gold.)

This 3940G-001 is powered by the in-house Patek Philippe Calibre 240Q movement with micro rotor, and comes equipped with a black Patek Philippe crocodile leather strap with a white gold Patek Philippe buckle. Further, it’s complete with its factory goodies and an extract from the archives confirming purchase in 1998.

But don’t take our word for it — take noted Patek expert John Reardon’s: “For the price, there is arguably no other watch that encapsulates all that defines Patek Philippe.”

OVERALL CONDITION

The case is in fantastic condition overall showing light signs of wear from age and use. Satin silver dial with applied white gold indices is excellent condition with matching white gold 'dauphine' handset. Sapphire exhibition caseback. Signed crown.