Reference Guide
Err_404 initiates a detailed inquiry into the Patek Philippe Ref. 3940, seeking to unravel the nuances between its various series. This post serves as a valuable resource for collectors aiming to understand the subtle yet significant distinctions that define this perpetual calendar reference.
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.
I believe is Platinum
Actually, I have noticed that some gold versions also have it.
It seems that some series have it and some do not. I wonder if it was done for the first series or if it is a "feature" that has been added.
1st series: Day and Month ring is not recessed, only the 24 hour indicator and Leap Year is recessed. 2nd series: Day and Month ring are both recessed, and the 24 hour indicator and Leap Year are more deeply recessed. No dividing quadrants on the Leap Year subdial. 3rd series: Similar to 2nd series, but the Leap Year subdial is divided by lines into quadrants.
If not mistaken: Also 1st series the leap year quadrants were 4,1,2,3. Later series became 1,2,3,4. Thus the leap year number coincides with the quarter of the year the months are in. I believe not all series have the day/ night shading on 24 hr indicator. What is difficult is that they patina differently. I’ve seen platinum watches that went purple and I’ve seen some fade to almost not visible.
I can barely make out a subtly different color on the bottom half of the subdial, but only if I’m really, really looking for it, and it usually doesn’t even show up in photos. This is a 3940P originally sold in 2006; I don’t know whether it looked like this then or if the different color was more pronounced then and faded over the ensuing 13 years.
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