Comments:
Contemplating a 5140..
But compared to their chronograph parallel the value just has not been there.. Having a 5270 and looking at both previous perpetual references.. the 3940 has not done nearly as well as the 5970. Is there a reason behind this madness, why the perpetual calendar chrono's are significantly more valued than the previous perpetual calendar?
240Q
In my opinion the 3940/5140 are some of the nicest watches PP makes. Having said that I think the lack of a sweep second hand probably hurts them. I would shop well for a 5140 and also look at the Lange perpetual in rose, Stunning with a sweep second hand.
I had Langematic Perpetual in platinum
and that watch was really difficult to read. I could not see the week day and month clearly but the date was great as well as the moon.
Now I have 5140P and would not even dream about changing back; not even I would get a new Lange and say 30k in cash.
For me the seconds are a very small issue and I can see that my watch is working if I have a look at the minutes and repeat the same one minute later.
Best, Kari
Kari, I agree fully with your thoughts.......
Several times I looked at the L&S PC as an alternative to a Patek PC, but whenever I looked at one in my AD, I always struggled to read it, especially the even smaller leap year indicator.
In the short time that I owned a 5140, I have to admit and say that one of the niggles that I hand was the lack of a minute hand.
But my views have changed, since owning the 3940, which has rarely been off my wrist, I have not missed having a second hand.
Like you, if I have to check that it is working, I either hold it up to my ear and listen to the wonderful slow beat or I glance at it again a short while later and see that the time has moved on 
Plus it gives me another reason to look at it 
For me 3940 is one of those watches that
are nearly impossible to improve without loosing something.
I bought 5140P because of the case material and the dark blue dial. I never really considered 3940P because I want to have an opportunity to see the movement.
If the business will improve one day, I might end up owning 3940 in yellow gold, rink gold and white gold plus will keep my 5140P. I think that when speaking about slim perpetual dress watches, 3940/5140 are really unbeatable. I admired Lange's way of making movements but their perpetual(s) are simply too messy and not readable at all. Lange's annual calendar is already much better but that's already another class and level of complication.
Best, Kari
As the owner of a 3940P
Agree with all the statements - and I do miss having a display back. But I have display backs for all my other pieces, including one with a cal 240 too.
I LOVE my 3940.
I love 3940 too -
that's one of the nicest references.
But I have never had such an experience as with my 5140P. On the wrist the watch feels and looks so damn good! You know the feeling a PP perpetual in platinum is giving. Add there the magic of the dark blue dial and you are in heaven. I just flew from London to Frankfurt and then to Tallinn. On the sunset the dial opened to me in a new way again. I have been wearing this watch on daily bases for some three weeks now and it is giving me new surprises on a daily basis. Indeed, Patek knows how to make blue dials and it is almost like the would mix some magic to the color.
Best, Kari
To make a proper chronograph ...
is much more challenging (for the watchmakers) than a perpetual calendar, at least today. But not everybody can appreciate it and for example in China most of the customers are not interested in chronographs as a complication.
If I had to choose between a perpetual calendar or a chronograph, I would always favour the latter. But that´s me and my view on value
Oliver
If I had to choose between a perpetual calendar or a chronograph, I would always favour the latter. But that´s me and my view on value
Oliver
I wanted a 5140 but loved the 3940
I wanted a 5140 for the longest time but opted for the 3940 because of the dial which I personally find easier to read. Like Kari, I don't think the 3940 could be made any more perfect. It' has everything one would want on a watch. The 36mm slim case and the layout make it elegant and practical. I have worn in with a Dinner Jacket and casually on the weekend with jeans and shorts.
I understand chronographs and really appreciate them. But I like to look at my watches as functional tools and the 3940 is something I need and use everyday. Plus, it is beautifully proportioned and balanced. I don't need to time anything and while the 3970, 5970, 5270, 5004 and 5204 are all watches I would like as my next Patek (ok, the 5208 too), I'm in no rush. Don't watch this space, I'm unlikely to get the 5004, 5204 or 5208!
Whatever you choose, the. 3940 or 5140, you will love having it on your wrist. My only regret with owning the 3940J is that I don't own the 3940P as well. Or the 3979.