I like the 5205 reference as I find it young and contemporary in design both the case and the dial. BUT...

Mar 21, 2019,17:47 PM
 

...the perpetual, in the appropriate metal, is just a classic and timeless piece. 


I don't think it's fair to put them side by side as these are too far apart to go head to head. 

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A hard decision between 5205 and 3940...

 
 By: Musigny82 : March 20th, 2019-19:13
Dear friends, I’m thinking to “upgrade” my 5035G recently. I got a chance to see and put a 5205G-013 yesterday and it was stunning. I had never considered this reference before as I believed it would be too big on my wrist. But for some reason it looks an... 

The 3940 my friend

 
 By: sham1 : March 20th, 2019-20:24
One of the best perpetual calendars over the last 30 years.

In that case, my advice would be

 
 By: sham1 : March 21st, 2019-10:44
please buy what appeals to you and not what appeals to anyone else. You have to love the watch. For example, I stay away from the Nautilus despite many raving about it and its obvious investment value because the watch just does not appeal to me.

A vote for 3940

 
 By: henryrover : March 20th, 2019-20:33
I tried on 5205 blue dial, and consider it looks better in photo than in real. Somehow the blue is not rich but a bit pale, and the gradient is not so obvious. In my opinion 3940 wins in terms of its elegance, complication and size (to your wrist), not to... 

Let’s try to be rational with this highly subjective issue..

 
 By: Mike H : March 20th, 2019-22:17
I would say it first depends on your taste, style, age... The 5205 is not only bigger but also more modern and does not carry the PATEK PHILIPPE DNA like the 3940. The latter looks so classy, refined and elegant but also classic not to say a bit old fashi... 

Thank you!

 
 By: Musigny82 : March 21st, 2019-07:24
And I think you are totally right! I am at my mid-30s and deep down I know 3940 is an all-time classic. But would I think it’s too discreet down the road?

3940 for sure!

 
 By: lascases : March 21st, 2019-02:15
Quintessential Patek!

Yes 3940 is timeless! [nt]

 
 By: Musigny82 : March 21st, 2019-07:25

A vote for the 5205

 
 By: David_S : March 21st, 2019-10:49
I do think it's more modern.

I like the 5205 reference as I find it young and contemporary in design both the case and the dial. BUT...

 
 By: Jay (Eire) : March 21st, 2019-17:47
...the perpetual, in the appropriate metal, is just a classic and timeless piece. I don't think it's fair to put them side by side as these are too far apart to go head to head.

Let me bump this thread, as I’m also considering these two watches.

 
 By: Ed Watches : November 26th, 2019-14:06
I also LOOOOOVE the 3940, but am somewhat surprised with the view from the majority here, and how widely disfavored the 5205 was. I wonder why the facts that you can buy the 5205 brand new today, with your name on the CoO, untouched by anyone else, arguab... 

I've tried on both

 
 By: Chromatic Fugue : November 26th, 2019-14:28
And they’re both very nice, but the 5205 always left me feeling a little cold. - First, there’s a legibility problem with many of the dial versions; hard to tell the time unless the light strikes the hands just right. - Second, it’s not just a larger (dia... 

100% agree

 
 By: sam1234 : November 26th, 2019-14:56
I think this analysis is excellent. Subjective perhaps, but well-reasoned and logical.

It depends on your style. I’m an AP guy who also loves Patek Philippe and I’m naturally attracted to the modern pieces like the 5207,5205 and 5905. I’m buying a 5905P this week. Classic like the 3940? Nope. But I also don’t want a 36mm watch.

 
 By: @Patek_Ambassador : November 26th, 2019-14:38
If you’re in your 30s, I would never buy a 36mm watch. I had a 5035J and offloaded it because it was far too small on my wrist. Some may call the look classic, but like you I’m also in my 30s and I need something with a bit more savoire faire, which is wh... 

It depends

 
 By: @Patek_Ambassador : November 26th, 2019-14:40
It depends on your style. I’m an AP guy who also loves Patek Philippe and I’m naturally attracted to the modern pieces like the 5207,5205 and 5905. I’m buying a 5905P this week. Classic like the 3940? Nope. But I also don’t want a 36mm watch. If you’re in... 

What’s your intended use for it?

 
 By: descartes1 : November 26th, 2019-16:10
If a daily or almost daily watch the 5205 might be better. If a special occasion piece and one to revere than 3940.

I’m set to go for 5205r! I tried the 5205g but I don’t think it appeals to me as much as the r version.

 
 By: Tlph : November 26th, 2019-21:07
I haven’t had a chance to hold 3940 in real but given its classic nature and a PC I might want it in some near future when I feel like I can hold a classic perpetual but it’s def on my list.