Comments:
Patek Philippe 3940J
Last Saturday, I saw this beauty at the shop where I was picking up my Omega moonwatch. Didn't have time to take a closer look as I was rushing off to another appointment.
This 3940J is for sale without box and paper.
Looks like a series 3 to me. Based on the conditions, what you do think the price range should be? Not sure if I can post the asking price here. The price I was offered is below what are posted on chrono24. But then, those on chrono24 are in better condition.
Any honest opinions appreciated. Thanks.
Here are some photos:
Looks pretty rough but you won’t find another close to that price.
Patek could probably make it look at good a new. Interesting proposition.
Those dings on the watch are not so obvious unless you look closer.
On the 2 sub dials, the one on the left the top hand seems corroded, probably because the 2 hands are made of different metals. The one on the right will eventually become corroded too, not sure if this is a common problem with this series 3. The price is quite attractive for such a beautiful watch, very well balanced.
I LOVE the 3940!
Have been wearing one extensively for 10 years. Patek Philippe made thousands of these watches for a couple of decades. If you can get into this piece at a price that makes you comfortable,then do it. Wear it , enjoy it and revel in the excellence that is the 3940. If you want to spend the money down the line, Patek can pretty-well return that watch to nearly 100%. It will cost thousands of dollars and take half a year or ( very likely) more. Ultimately you will get what you paid for.
My beloved 3940.
My beloved 3940.
Thank you for the advice.
I am going to check with Patek on the cost for the replacement for the corroded dial hands. Use a loupe to check earlier, the corrosion only limited to the dial hands.
The solid case back is in great condition, sticker still in place.
After I get a quote from Patek, will do a final negotiation with the shop.
Will need to get the instructions from Patek how to do the settings. [nt]
No message body
It is up to you to see if the asking price + the costs of a service at Patek ( they will change the hands ) is worth it... Personally, I prefer to pay more for a top condition watch.
But why not?
Ask how much it will cost for a full service at Patek before taking any decision.
Best,
Nicolas
The asking price is USD22,300.00. Solid case back still with sticker.
Other than the corroded sub dial hands and the scratches, the movement is very clean and in good condition.
Great reference
but that rust spot(if it is really that) between 6-12 a bit worrisome.
That is just the rust flakes from the sub dial hands. The entire dial looks clean. [nt]
No message body
While I cannot see the price....
... this is a very good example. The key quality is the excellent condition of the case (crisp hallmarks). If this would be different nobody (incl PP) could change it in the future. The corroded hands are no problem. The dial looks also excellent on these shots. Easy and cheap to change.
To me this seems to be a very good buy.
To me this seems to be a very good buy.
I saw one asking for USD 28k plus on Chrono24 from an Italian based seller.
Comes with box and paper. But the dial condition from the photo does not look that good. Otherwise, I would have bought from them. Typically I always try to buy locally.
I think so long as you are willing to buy the watch, you should go for it.
I think it's reasonable. It's a grand complication. Yes have it serviced by Patek. And get archive papers once you buy the watch.
Geross 😉
Geross 😉
The price is good but I probably wouldn’t take this
The ding can probably laser solderd but it will never look like brand-new and most likely the hallmarks will either disappear or get faded when they re-polish the watch. My main issue is with the corrosion visible on the dial side. Who knows what is going on underneath the dial. A great watch but for me I would rather pay more and get one in a top condition. It’s just a personal opinion. Good luck with your decision.
I checked with a loupe, the corrosion is only on the left sub dial top hands.
The dial is clean. Just need to clean out the rust flakes. The movement is also clean and in good condition, and is still accurate.
The dings are not visible unless you really look closely.
I would replace only the sub dial hands.
Anyways waiting for Patek to reply to my email.
The dings are not visible unless you really look closely.
I would replace only the sub dial hands.
Anyways waiting for Patek to reply to my email.
it's a great ref..! and 3940 prices have been climbing and going for almost insane price now. But your asking price is superb!
If patek can restore it for a few K, go for it and congrats!
I have been searching for this reference locally for quite a while. [nt]
Was surprised when I saw it on the display.
Costly service
You should factor in you could be looking at a costly service of 5K or more. Sellers seem to know that stuff and price accordingly. You never know what needs to be restored or replaced in that movement if the watch has had heavy use as it appears it has without regular service.
Patek quoted me USD 1,910.00 inclusive of dial hands replacement and another USD 225.00 if I want it polish it.
According to the manager, the scratches and dings are not that bad. The movement is okay, still within the limit.
Will need to replace the strap as it is quite worn out.
Will need to replace the strap as it is quite worn out.