Vintage
Chromatic Fugue seeks expert opinions on a Patek Philippe Ref. 3940, raising detailed questions about its condition, including faint case markings and discrepancies in gold tone. This post highlights the meticulous scrutiny collectors apply when evaluating high-value vintage timepieces.
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.
... those are hallmarks and the watch has been polished to the point where they are no longer clearly discernible. It would bother me as well. The 7 0'clock lug looks a bit thin also, but perhaps just the angle and difficult to assess without seeing the watch in person. Depending on year of production, there was some variability in the location of the case hallmarks from the side to the lugs. Afaik the early models came with hallmarks on the case side and later switched to the lugs.
To me (but I’m no expert so could be wrong) the case is over polished In itself that doesn’t necessarily have to be a big problem albeit you can’t read the brands anymore. However it does lead to 2 concerns I would have: 1) why has it been over polished? Has the case been damaged to the extend deep polishing was required and if so, could that be an indication that damage occurred on other invisible parts of the watch itself as well. A accuracy test run could perhaps reveal something. IE if its d
Wait until you can find one that is crisp and clean! You are going to spend tens of thousands on a 3940. They are great watches and there are many of them out there. Don’t be in a hurry. Buy a watch with clear hallmarks and with all the papers and boxes, instruction manuals, etc. Truth is that the 3940 is a rather small watch by today’s standards and they aren’t exactly “flying “ off the shelves . Be patient. Look around and compare prices. You will find one that is exactly what you want. It’s a
I have a 3940 from the 90's and another from the final year of production (2007) both of which were purchased new and have never been polished. Compared to your photo, I can see clearly the 2 Swiss national hallmarks stamped on the case side on the earlier version as well as the "PPCo" and "750" on the 5:00 and 7:00 lugs. On my later version all 4 lugs are stamped, with no markings on the case side. (One is gold and the other platinum but I don't think that should make a difference in stamp loca
between the case and the microrotor is due to the fact that one is 18k and the other is 22k.
Walk away from this excessively polished 3940. There are too many better examples for the same price. Now If you can get a screaming deal on the watch after exposing the problems to the seller maybe you should consider it. Good luck. Please tell us what you eventually decide.
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