Mike-On-A-Bike
44
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! 😀
More posts:
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 l...
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?
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 insis...
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!
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...
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.
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.
