Patek Philippe

For the past few months, I have been looking on-off for a mint-condition 3940J/G to purchase. I don't usually buy pre-owned but since this reference was discontinued over 10 years ago, this's the only option. My main criteria is that it must come as a complete set (COG, box, stylus etc). I've looked at the 5140 but the dial looks 'off' to me hence my preference for the older one.

I've just across a 3940J model with the COG dated 1990. The 1st series was produced from 1985-87 and 2nd from 1987-89 and this is an early 3rd series. It only has a solid case back (as per consistent with that period) and it comes with an optional deployant (the older square style). The watch was recently serviced. Price-wise it is consistent with later 3rd series models that include the sapphire case back and deployant as standard. This reference was one of the longest production models with a run of ~16 years but being an early one, i'm unsure if that somehow makes it more collectible.

Obviously, the 1st and 2nd series dials are rarer and more collectible. So my question is whether I should:

- get this since it's an early 3rd series

- get a later 3rd series with sapphire case back and deployant

- hold out for a 1st or 2nd series 

My gut feel is that I ought to pass but any advice or suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks

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