sham1
8551
I am not quite an expert but
I know the 3940 was produced in 3 series, the first series from 1985 to 1986, the second from 1987 to 1989 and the 3rd series from 1990 to 2004. The first series is quite rare, I believe only 100 pieces were produced and had the solid case back. The 2nd series had large hallmarks so I am rather concerned that the watch you are thinking of buying is from 1989 but does not spot the large hallmarks. Also the first and second series had leaf hands. The watch in your photo does not have leaf hands so this is a concern. If your watch is actually a 3rd series made from 1990 onwards, it would have come with the sapphire crystal case back and solid back. As you correctly stated, I am not aware of Patek exchanging a solid back for a sapphire crystal case back during a service but I must confess I am not entirely sure if this is the case.
I would be quite reluctant to buy the watch in question due to the absence of the leaf hands and hallmarks. There were some Series 2 with sapphire crystal case backs by the way.
More posts:
Thoughts on this 3940
Looking at this 3940 from a private seller. Watch is dated to 1989. The movement numbers on the COO and engraving match. Also, the watch has had a service earlier this year from PP and the receipt has the movement number matching as well. I have two obser...
The hallmarks...
are on the othe side of the case (i.e. opposite the crown). They are important indicators re polishing status, of course. Maybe the seller could send you another image?
I have come across them on other watches as well
Which makes me wonder if they were Patek issued for a few years
I am not quite an expert but
I know the 3940 was produced in 3 series, the first series from 1985 to 1986, the second from 1987 to 1989 and the 3rd series from 1990 to 2004. The first series is quite rare, I believe only 100 pieces were produced and had the solid case back. The 2nd s...
Leaf hands?
That's not the case. Maybe you are mixing up the 3940 with the 3970 (that did have leaf hands on the first series)? Thomas
As pointed out, you are thinking of the 3970
Both in case of the leaf hands and the large hallmarks
The 3940..
My understanding ( please correct if I'm wrong): 3940s were made across a time period where transparent case backs were becoming a thing. People did start requesting them and PP would indulge them. So much so that the 3941 was made , same watch but displa...
One thing to consider,
The 3940 was made over a long period of time and in very large numbers. There are, without doubt, thousands of 3940s floating around out there.I never have heard an exact number. If you have any question as to this particular watches “correctness”, just w...
I agree
That is one principle I follow with every watch purchase i.e no rushing. It isn't like I don't like this particular example, quite the contrary actually. I will be seeing this in person before making a decision. Just wanted an opinion about a few things f...
Fwiw.
I had to go search internet, but I'm pretty sure some PP Ellipse models have calatrava cross that is "squished" to resemble ellipse proportions. So maybe the clasp is real, but not model correct. Also FWIW, I bought mine from Madison Time in NY. I bought ...
Wonder if they were year specific
i.e if Patek issued 'squished' deployants around a certain time period, regardless of the model PS: The mentioned seller has some drool worthy offerings. Love his video with B. Clymer
To be clear:
The picture I showed was random example off internet. I did not purchase an ellipse. I purchased a 3940R from Madison Time. I trust them and yes, they have drool worthy pieces.
Buckle
+1: this is the deployant buckle of an Ellipse. Imo, this 3940 came with a pin buckle and the one pictured was added. This 3940 is a 2nd series (not a third); it has the "old style" certificate of origin and it is not coming with the Scatola del tempo win...
Priced more or less along the lines of what others are asking
The 1st serie of course would be much more expensive. Could you tell me why would you pass on this one? Does anything look amiss to you (apart from the buckle)?
Box
Not sure at which point did Patek introduce the Scatola del Tempo burgundy winding box, but this 3940 should have it. I would try to find one with the correct buckle and box (I did the same when I bought my 3940r and, afterwards, 5050j). Just my 2 cents
