Dr.kol shares his meticulous journey to acquire a Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar, specifically the Ref. 3940R, and its companion, a steel Annual Calendar. His post details the thoughtful considerations behind his choices, from dial legibility and metal preference to building a diverse collection. This article offers a personal and insightful look into a collector's decision-making process for high horology pieces.
For a couple of years I have been planning to buy a Perpetual Calendar of Patek with 240 Q movement.
Some 10 years ago my dream was a 3940J and with the new 5140 the ultimate dream was a 5140P. The fantastic blue dial attracted me a lot.
However, I had all the time the feeling that I might get bored with the blue dial and that such a dial is too much for such a classic watch. Another issue that bothered me was that I in fact like the dial of 3940 much more than the same of 5140. In my eyes the dial of 5140 is simply too full of text, numbers and lines.
Another issue was the metal. Normally I want to get white metal but in the case of 3940G, 3940P and 5140G the case looked too pale. The classic Perpetual Patek is yellow gold. However, I find nowadays yellow gold too shiny and decided to go for a red gold watch.
I finally knew what I wanted and then came the implementation: I wanted to get new or like new, with "open" Certificate of origin, all papers, stylus, 2nd back, winding box. Actually this was not an easy task but the watch I found looks like this:
I simply love the readability of the dial:
I ordered for the watch a dark brown custom length strap. It feels good and looks great with red gold:
What I really love in 3940 / 5140 is the movement and the slim profile that is a result of the 3.88 mm thick movement.
I have never considered an Annual Calendar as an alternative to a Perpetual Calendar. When I had found my 3940R, I decided to get the Annual Calendar. Because my 3940R is a very dressy watch, it was just natural with the lesser complication go for the sportiest possible alternative. This one I showed a short while ago:
I think these two make a nice pair: the RG one with a business suit and the steel one with jeans and bermudas.
Best, Kari
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 3940 Ref. 3940G
The Patek Philippe Reference 3940G is a perpetual calendar wristwatch, notable for its self-winding movement and the integration of multiple calendar indications within a relatively understated case design. It was introduced as a successor to earlier perpetual calendar models, offering a more contemporary aesthetic while maintaining traditional horological craftsmanship. The reference is recognized for its balanced dial layout and its role in Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar lineage.
The watch features an 18k white gold case measuring 36 mm in diameter, housing the ultra-thin automatic caliber 240 Q. This movement provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours and is protected by a sapphire crystal. The dial is typically white or silver, displaying the day, date, month, leap year cycle, and moon phases, along with a 24-hour indicator. Its construction emphasizes a blend of technical complexity and wearability.
For collectors, the 3940G represents a significant perpetual calendar reference from a period of evolving design at Patek Philippe. It appeals to those who value classic proportions and comprehensive calendar functionality without excessive embellishment. The reference was produced in various precious metals, with the white gold variant offering a distinct aesthetic within the series.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 240 Q
- Case
- 18k White Gold
- Diameter
- 36 mm
- Dial
- White
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 3940J
The Patek Philippe Reference 3940J is a perpetual calendar wristwatch, notable for its self-winding movement and compact case dimensions. Introduced in the mid-1980s, it became a cornerstone of Patek Philippe's complicated watch offerings, representing a more understated approach to high horology compared to some of its predecessors and contemporaries. The reference was produced in various precious metals, with the 'J' suffix indicating yellow gold. It is recognized for its balanced dial layout and the integration of multiple calendar indications without visual clutter.
The watch features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 36 mm in diameter, housing the ultra-thin automatic caliber 240 Q. This movement is distinguished by its micro-rotor construction, contributing to the watch's slender profile. The perpetual calendar mechanism displays day, date, month, leap year cycle, and moon phases. A sapphire crystal protects the white dial, and the watch offers a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Its water resistance is rated at 25 meters.
For collectors, the Reference 3940J holds significance as a long-running and successful perpetual calendar model. It appeals to those who appreciate traditional watchmaking and classic proportions. The reference was produced for over two decades, allowing for several dial variations and subtle updates over its production run. Its discontinuation paved the way for subsequent perpetual calendar models, making the 3940 a key reference in the evolution of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar lineage.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 240 Q
- Case
- 18k Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 36 mm
- Dial
- White
- Water Resist.
- 25m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
