Introduced in 1985, the Patek Philippe ref. 3940 is widely regarded as one of the most important wristwatches in the modern history of the manufacture. Launched during the height of the quartz crisis, it signaled Patek Philippe’s renewed commitment to traditional high end watchmaking and became the first serially produced perpetual calendar powered by the ultra-thin micro-rotor caliber 240 Q. Its elegant 36 mm case, impeccably balanced dial, and remarkably slim profile established a new benchmark for complicated wristwatches, while its 22 year production run cemented its status as one of the brand’s defining references. Famously worn by Philippe Stern himself, the ref. 3940 has become the quintessential neo-vintage Patek Philippe.
Dating to circa 2000, this yellow gold example represents one of the later executions of the reference, featuring the refined dial layout with its applied yellow gold baton markers and perfectly proportioned perpetual calendar display. At just under 9 mm thick, the 3940 wears with exceptional comfort while offering one of watchmaking’s most revered complications in a remarkably discreet package.
