Comments:
3940 Question/Concern
Hey all!
I recently read a great article on Watch Brothers London about the differences between the series of 3940.
This got me looking at my own 3940G which I've had a few years. According to the article all 3rd series watches have the sigma markers in line with the minute track, where older models the markers are lowered.
According to the archive extract my watch is from 2005 and would be a 3rd series, but my sigma dials don't line up. Cause for concern??
Thank you!
I learned what they are now and what you are talking about. I can’t help answer your question but you have a beautiful watch! [nt]
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Did you check your serial number?
Your Sigma belongs to first series and second series. Does the '9' in your watch connect? If it does, it belongs to series 1.
Are you the first owner?
The serial matches 3rd series based on the article. I purchased it used. Do you think it's a replacement dial? The watch was with Patek last year for a tune up. They did not mention anything out of the ordinary. [nt]
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I don't think it is a replacement dial.
Usually when one has an official replacement dial, it will be of a later model. What I am afraid is it is a swap dial from dealer. For example, I have seen late Patek 570 (1969) watch with early 570 raised enamel signature dial (before 1966). Dealer insists that it is authentic and real. After some deep investigation, I found the picture of that exact watch before the dial was swapped. They share same archival extract.
Then again, yours could be an early 3rd series and they decide to use the remaining 2nd series dial on yours. I would think this is the case. I honestly don't think any dealer would want to swap a dial that belongs in the 90s.There is nothing to gain. In short, I think this dial is legit on your watch and nothing to worry about.
Then again, yours could be an early 3rd series and they decide to use the remaining 2nd series dial on yours. I would think this is the case. I honestly don't think any dealer would want to swap a dial that belongs in the 90s.There is nothing to gain. In short, I think this dial is legit on your watch and nothing to worry about.
You might want to read an article on the website Collectability, which was written by John Reardon about Aprior (Sigma) dials.
Best, Patekova
PS Beautiful watch!
My pleasure. There also may be different rules that apply to the 3940 reference. A bit more research and possibly emailing him for an opinion might be helpful. [nt]
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I too have a 3rd series 3940
Mine’s from 2004 and has the APRIOR inline with the minute markers, so it is indeed odd that yours does not.
However, based on my humble opinion...
(1) you sent it in to Patek for a service, and if it didn’t come back with any remarks, I think you’re good. If anybody tried to mess around with a 3940, I’m sure Philippe Stern himself would be up in arms;
(2) this reference was in production for over 20 years and based on at least the examples that I’ve examined, the 1st 2nd 3rd series are not really cut that clearly. There are countless variations, and this was back in the days when you didn’t need to be Eric Clapton to ask for slight variations on your particular piece.
As CL mentioned, I don’t think a dealer would replace the dial - especially not across different series since, for example, the leap year counter is different for earlier vs later series.
If you do reach out to JR and hear back from him, I’d be interested to know what he says! 😀
Zero cause for concern.
I've seen plenty just like yours.
As Mike said, there's a lot over overlap between series. The only rule is there is no rule.
I think the font of the J is indicated from earlier series dial, correct me if I’m wrong. [nt]
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Actually that J without the extra hook on the top is most commonly seen with later (3rd series) dials [nt]
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Sam is correct
J without the top lid is indeed an indication of later examples. Like how you will see on the 5140 and thereafter
Thank you for these articles!
The ACM and Watch Brothers London articles have been a great help as I begin my search for a 3940. I'll pose questions and thoughts in a separate post.