Chromatic Fugue shares an intimate look at his Patek Philippe 3940P, offering personal reflections on its understated charm, perfect sizing for slender wrists, and its potential as a cherished heirloom. This post highlights the enduring appeal of classic Patek Philippe perpetual calendars and the unique considerations collectors face when choosing a timepiece for life.
I promised more photos and observations. Here's the watch, a 3940P:
I think it was Nicolas (amanico) who said that I should go with the 3940 rather than the 5140 because, even though it lacked the immediate charisma, it would grow on me. That's already happened.
One of the great fringe benefits is the size. Some say: 36 mm is small by today's standards. But that's a plus rather than a minus for guys like me with thin wrists:
But the size comes with another benefit. Think of those ads: "You never really own a Patek Philippe; you merely look after it for the next generation." Those ads all seem to show men and their sons, not men and their daughters. I have two kids; both are girls. Hours after I got this, I showed it to my older daughter (who's 20) and asked: "you want to inherit this?" She said: "Just give it to me now." She doesn't want my other watches, precisely because they are too large for her (and truth to tell, some of them are too large for me).
This watch not only has a modest diameter; it is also unbelievably thin:
That's a huge part of the charm. There's probably no watch that has a higher ratio of horological excellence to case volume.
This is not to say that the watch is perfect. For reasons no one understands, Patek decided that 3940P models should never have exhibition case backs. So instead of a view of the 240 Q movement, I have a view of this:
But that's OK. The makers of the greatest Persian rugs always included a subtle imperfection somewhere to acknowledge that God alone is perfect. Perhaps the obligatory solid case back reflects the same piety. And the platinum does come with two fringe benefits. One is the heft of the extra density. The other is the ability to wear this watch with jeans:
Finally, I'd like to thank everyone here for their comments on this and related references. I don't know what I'd do without this forum. I'd probably buy lots of watches that I'd divorce later. But this one is a keeper for life -- sorry, older daughter. : )
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. 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 Perpetual Calendar Ref. 3940P
The Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar reference 3940P represents the platinum variant within the 3940 series, distinguished by its white dial configuration. This reference was produced from 1985 to 2006, offering collectors a precious metal interpretation of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar complication in a 36mm case format.
The 3940P features a 36mm platinum case fitted with a smooth bezel and sapphire crystal. The automatic caliber 240 Q movement provides 48 hours of power reserve, while the white dial creates contrast against the platinum case material. Water resistance is rated to 25 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a precious metal perpetual calendar in the more compact 36mm case size. The platinum case material and white dial combination offers a specific aesthetic within the 3940 series production run. The two-decade production period from 1985 to 2006 provides multiple vintage options for collectors focused on Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar offerings.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 240 Q
- Case
- Platinum
- Diameter
- 36 mm
- Dial
- White
- Water Resist.
- 25m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
