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Chromatic Fugue initiated a compelling comparison between two Patek Philippe perpetual calendars, the Ref. 5140R and Ref. 3940P-001, challenging the prevailing collector preference. His personal preference for the 5140's concave bezel and substantial feel sparked a detailed community debate on aesthetics, wearability, and design nuances.
Hi all — I drove a few hours to see the 3940R on the right and, just for comparison, asked them to bring out the 5140P-001 on the left. There’s obviously a price difference (the 5140 is much more), but the general consensus here and elsewhere is that collectors prefer the 3940 as a rule over the 5140 — better fonts, case size appropriate for the movement, etc. Here’s the surprising thing: I much prefer the 5140: I like the concave (vs convex) bezel and the greater feeling of substantiality (although of course the platinum has something to do with that). Anyone else here have a similar experience when comparing these two references?
About the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5140
The Patek Philippe Reference 5140 is a perpetual calendar wristwatch, succeeding the highly regarded Reference 3940. It maintains the classic Patek Philippe perpetual calendar layout, featuring day, date, month, leap year, and moon phase indications. The 5140 was introduced with a slightly larger case diameter than its predecessor, reflecting contemporary preferences while retaining a traditional aesthetic.
This reference is powered by the ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 240 Q, known for its micro-rotor construction which allows for a slender case profile. The movement provides a power reserve of 48 hours. The watch is presented in 18k white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold cases, measuring 39 mm in diameter, and is fitted with a sapphire crystal. It offers water resistance to 30 meters.
The 5140 appeals to collectors seeking a modern perpetual calendar with a direct lineage to Patek Philippe's established complications. Its production run from 2006 to 2019 saw various dial configurations, including opaline and silvery finishes. The watch is typically paired with a leather strap and a deployant clasp, consistent with Patek Philippe's classic offerings.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 240 Q
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Dial
- Opaline, Silvery
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Grand Complications Ref. 3940
The Patek Philippe Reference 3940 is a perpetual calendar wristwatch that was introduced in 1985, succeeding the Reference 3450. It is notable for its relatively slim profile and the integration of a perpetual calendar complication in a refined case. This reference became a cornerstone of Patek Philippe's complicated watch offerings for nearly two decades, establishing a design language for subsequent perpetual calendar models. It represents a significant period in the brand's modern history of complicated timepieces.
The watch features a 36mm case, typically crafted from yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, or platinum. It houses the self-winding Caliber 240 Q movement, which is known for its micro-rotor construction, contributing to the movement's thinness and allowing for a slimmer case profile. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, often accompanied by an interchangeable solid case back and a sapphire display back.
Reference 3940 is highly regarded by collectors for its classic proportions and the enduring appeal of its perpetual calendar display, which includes day, date, month, leap year cycle, and moon phases. It was produced in several series, with subtle variations in dial layout and typography, making early series examples particularly sought after. The reference is considered a benchmark for perpetual calendar watches and remains a significant piece for those appreciating traditional horological complications.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 240 Q
- Case
- Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Platinum
- Diameter
- 36mm
- Dial
- Silver, White, Opaline
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 3940R
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Reference 3940R
The reference 3940R represents Patek Philippe's 36mm rose gold perpetual calendar offering within the brand's complicated watch collection. This reference features a moon phase complication alongside the perpetual calendar function, positioning it as a multi-complication timepiece in the manufacturer's lineup. Production spanned from 1985 to 2006.
The 36mm case is crafted from 18k rose gold with a polished bezel and sapphire crystal. The watch is powered by the automatic caliber 240 Q movement, providing 48 hours of power reserve. Water resistance is rated to 25 meters, and the timepiece is fitted with a leather strap.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a precious metal perpetual calendar in a compact case size. The rose gold construction and extended 21-year production period make it a substantial entry within Patek Philippe's complicated watch offerings. The 36mm diameter provides a more restrained profile compared to contemporary perpetual calendar sizes.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 240 Q
- Case
- 18k Rose Gold
- Diameter
- 36 mm
- Water Resist.
- 25m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Grand Complications Ref. 5140P-001
The Patek Philippe Grand Complications reference 5140P-001 is a perpetual calendar wristwatch, introduced in 2006 as a successor to the long-running reference 3940. This model updates the classic perpetual calendar design with a slightly larger case and a refined aesthetic, while retaining the core functionality and understated elegance characteristic of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendars. The 5140 series is distinguished by its contemporary proportions compared to its predecessor.
This specific reference, the 5140P-001, features a platinum case. It is powered by the self-winding caliber 240 Q, an ultra-thin movement known for its micro-rotor construction, which allows for a slender case profile. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on the front, providing clear visibility of the dial, and often includes a sapphire case back to view the movement.
The 5140P-001 appeals to collectors seeking a modern interpretation of a traditional complication from Patek Philippe. Its platinum case signifies a premium offering within the Grand Complications line. The model continued the legacy of the 3940, offering a slightly updated presence on the wrist while maintaining the technical sophistication and design language expected from the manufacture.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 240 Q
- Case
- Platinum
- Diameter
- 37.2 mm
- Dial
- Blue
- Water Resist.
- 30 m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
Key Points from the Discussion
- The 3940R is often preferred for its more balanced and proportional font size, offering better dial legibility compared to the 5140's 'squished' numerals. However, some argue the 5140's larger size might be easier to read for older eyes.
- The 5140 offers a slightly larger size (37.2mm vs. 36mm) and dial, providing more wrist presence. The 'squished' numerals are not a significant issue for some, who appreciate the 5140's overall aesthetic and 'avant-garde' font.
- Despite initially owning and enjoying a 5140, one collector sold it for a 3940 and 'never looked back,' finding the 3940 to be a 'perfect watch' even if slightly small for their wrist.
- The 3940 is considered a choice one 'cannot go wrong with,' and the money saved compared to a 5140P could be put towards a 5146P, an overlooked annual calendar with similar aesthetics but without the 5140's dial balance issues.
- The 5140P with a solid caseback (replacing the exhibition back) provides a perfect fit and increased mass for a 17cm wrist, with 'squished numerals' not being a problem as many manufacturers utilize similar designs.
- While the 3940 is often perceived as small, photographic evidence can demonstrate its perfect fit on a wrist, sometimes even better than the larger 5140.
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