Dr.kol presents a captivating trio of Patek Philippe watches, each embodying a distinct form of elegance: the 5131G World Time, the 3712 Nautilus, and the 5140P Perpetual Calendar. His post invites collectors to consider their personal favorites among these blue-dialed, white-metal pieces, all powered by the Caliber 240 movement.
When I came home last night, I placed 5131G to the watch winder in between two Brothers. All three share the blue dial, white metal and 240 movement. However, one is made of steel, one from white gold and one of platinum.
Do you have a favorite?
I love my 3712 because for me it's the original complicated Nautilus. This watch still has the two-part case just like Gerald Genta designed it. Furthermore, I like the print on the dial more than the one of the newer version; 5712.
For me 3712 represents Casual Elegance.
I have mixed feelings about 5140. In my opinion the bezel is nicer than in the older version 3940 but the dial is messy. However, after a short consideration that lasted only three years, I concluded that the blue dial and platinum case is compensating what 5140 lost in the dial design. So now 5140P has a permanent seat in my watch winder.
I love the colors, feeling and the movement of this watch. For me it represents Perpetual Elegance.
The watch in the center is naturally my 5131G. That watch made my dreams come true and there is nothing to add to that.
World Time 5131G represents to me the Artistic Elegance.
I love all three. But it is Honeymoon time! I am focusing my eyes again and again to this:
Did you all find what you like: Casual Elegance, Perpetual Elegance or Artistic Elegance? I hope so.
However, there is something also for our dear Count: Plain Elegance. White metal (WG or platinum), blue dial and the basic 240 automatic movement.
I wish everybody a wonderful Sunday.
Best, Kari
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 Ref. 5130
The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5130, introduced in 2006, is a World Time watch that succeeded the popular reference 5110. This model maintained the distinctive World Time complication, allowing for simultaneous display of time in 24 different time zones. Its design evolved with a slightly larger case and updated dial aesthetics, distinguishing it from its predecessor while retaining the core functionality that defines Patek Philippe's travel timepieces. It was produced until 2017.
The watch features an 18k rose gold case measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 9.8mm in thickness, housing the self-winding Caliber 240 HU movement. This ultra-thin movement, visible through a sapphire crystal case back, provides a power reserve of 48 hours. The dial is silver or opaline with a guilloché center, protected by a sapphire crystal. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.
Reference 5130 appeals to collectors seeking a sophisticated travel complication from Patek Philippe. Its larger case size compared to the 5110 offered a more contemporary presence on the wrist, while its classic World Time mechanism remained a hallmark of the brand's technical prowess. The model was available in various precious metals, with the rose gold variant offering a warm aesthetic.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal.240 HU
- Case
- 18k rose gold
- Diameter
- 39.5mm
- Dial
- Silver / opaline guilloché
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5131
The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5131 is a World Time model, distinguished by its cloisonné enamel dial depicting a map of the world. This reference is part of a series that showcases Patek Philippe's expertise in both horological complications and traditional decorative arts, offering a functional travel watch with significant aesthetic appeal. It represents a continuation of the brand's long-standing tradition of producing World Time watches, updated with contemporary design elements and a self-winding movement. The 5131 is recognized for its intricate dial work, which varies depending on the specific metal and region depicted.
The watch features a 39.5mm case, available in various precious metals, housing the self-winding Caliber 240 HU. This movement provides a power reserve of 48 hours and drives the World Time complication, allowing the wearer to simultaneously view the time in 24 different time zones. The case is fitted with a sapphire crystal, ensuring durability and clear visibility of the detailed dial. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear. The fixed bezel frames the intricate dial, contributing to the watch's refined profile.
As a World Time model with a cloisonné dial, the 5131 appeals to collectors who appreciate both technical sophistication and artisanal craftsmanship. Its limited production and the unique hand-finished nature of each dial contribute to its desirability within the secondary market. The reference fits into Patek Philippe's Complications collection as a high-end travel watch, offering a distinctive alternative to more traditional time-only or chronograph models. Variants typically involve different precious metal cases and corresponding enamel map depictions.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal.240 HU
- Case
- yellow gold
- Diameter
- 39.5mm
- Dial
- blue
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- 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