watch-er
1823
Costly service
You should factor in you could be looking at a costly service of 5K or more. Sellers seem to know that stuff and price accordingly. You never know what needs to be restored or replaced in that movement if the watch has had heavy use as it appears it has without regular service.
Patek Philippe 3940J
Last Saturday, I saw this beauty at the shop where I was picking up my Omega moonwatch. Didn't have time to take a closer look as I was rushing off to another appointment. This 3940J is for sale without box and paper. Looks like a series 3 to me. Based on...
Looks pretty rough but you won’t find another close to that price.
Patek could probably make it look at good a new. Interesting proposition.
Those dings on the watch are not so obvious unless you look closer.
On the 2 sub dials, the one on the left the top hand seems corroded, probably because the 2 hands are made of different metals. The one on the right will eventually become corroded too, not sure if this is a common problem with this series 3. The price is...
I LOVE the 3940!
Have been wearing one extensively for 10 years. Patek Philippe made thousands of these watches for a couple of decades. If you can get into this piece at a price that makes you comfortable,then do it. Wear it , enjoy it and revel in the excellence that is...
Thank you for the advice.
I am going to check with Patek on the cost for the replacement for the corroded dial hands. Use a loupe to check earlier, the corrosion only limited to the dial hands. The solid case back is in great condition, sticker still in place. After I get a quote ...
It is up to you to see if the asking price + the costs of a service at Patek ( they will change the hands ) is worth it... Personally, I prefer to pay more for a top condition watch.
But why not? Ask how much it will cost for a full service at Patek before taking any decision. Best, Nicolas
The asking price is USD22,300.00. Solid case back still with sticker.
Other than the corroded sub dial hands and the scratches, the movement is very clean and in good condition.
Great reference
but that rust spot(if it is really that) between 6-12 a bit worrisome.
While I cannot see the price....
... this is a very good example. The key quality is the excellent condition of the case (crisp hallmarks). If this would be different nobody (incl PP) could change it in the future. The corroded hands are no problem. The dial looks also excellent on these...
I saw one asking for USD 28k plus on Chrono24 from an Italian based seller.
Comes with box and paper. But the dial condition from the photo does not look that good. Otherwise, I would have bought from them. Typically I always try to buy locally.
I think so long as you are willing to buy the watch, you should go for it.
I think it's reasonable. It's a grand complication. Yes have it serviced by Patek. And get archive papers once you buy the watch. Geross 😉
The price is good but I probably wouldn’t take this
The ding can probably laser solderd but it will never look like brand-new and most likely the hallmarks will either disappear or get faded when they re-polish the watch. My main issue is with the corrosion visible on the dial side. Who knows what is going...
I checked with a loupe, the corrosion is only on the left sub dial top hands.
The dial is clean. Just need to clean out the rust flakes. The movement is also clean and in good condition, and is still accurate. The dings are not visible unless you really look closely. I would replace only the sub dial hands. Anyways waiting for Pate...
it's a great ref..! and 3940 prices have been climbing and going for almost insane price now. But your asking price is superb!
If patek can restore it for a few K, go for it and congrats!
I have been searching for this reference locally for quite a while. [nt]
Was surprised when I saw it on the display.
Costly service
You should factor in you could be looking at a costly service of 5K or more. Sellers seem to know that stuff and price accordingly. You never know what needs to be restored or replaced in that movement if the watch has had heavy use as it appears it has w...
Patek quoted me USD 1,910.00 inclusive of dial hands replacement and another USD 225.00 if I want it polish it.
According to the manager, the scratches and dings are not that bad. The movement is okay, still within the limit. Will need to replace the strap as it is quite worn out.
I have not decided if I want to go ahead with the polishing.
They told me that they can do a light polish.
Would not
polish it either. Still looks fine and keeping the hallmarks as is would be great!
Hmmm
Patek website states 1800 chf for servicing perpetual calendar but that does not include replacement of parts which I know can be quite expensive and which they almost always advise to do once the watch is opened
Was quoted by the manager at Patek.
I had actually expected it to cost more. So was quite surprised. The manager was quite happy to see this watch, and we chatted for a fair bit on the history. The manager they rarely see this watch being send in for servicing. I am located in Singapore.
In my experience, once you send in the actual watch for service they will give you a long menu of service items, which you can choose to do or not
I think the price they quoted is the minimum to be expected. Still, it seems like a wonderful deal for you and congratulations on an epic find
Yes, received the list and final quotation on Friday evening.
The total cost is USD 2,580.00 which includes the servicing, extract from archives, and replacement of watch strap. They even gave me a Patek Collection Book.
I would like to thank everyone for their helpful opinions. Really useful and I had managed to negotiate for a lower price. Really happy.
I had made the purchase today. Patek charges are reasonable USD 1.9k and USD 225 for polishing . Will be sending it to Patek for servicing tomorrow, won't be seeing it for a a couple of months. Need to take some photos first, so that I can use it to purch...
Final total cost.
The total cost is USD 2,580.00 which includes the servicing, extract from archives, and replacement of watch strap. They even gave me a Patek Collection Book.
Congrats!
I just dropped my 3940g into Patek. Close to $2K and 18 weeks. Hand replacement included if needed.
Mine cost more because of the replacement strap and extract from archives.
They told me to allow for 12 to 14 weeks for the servicing and testing. My 3940 is the 3rd piece to be send in for servicing in Singapore.