Patek Philippe 3940J

Feb 25, 2019,18:22 PM
 

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 the conditions, what you do think the price range should be? Not sure if I can post the asking price here. The price I was offered is below what are posted on chrono24. But then, those on chrono24 are in better condition. Any honest opinions appreciated. Thanks. Here are some photos:
















More posts: 3940grand complicationsMoonwatchSpeedmaster

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

Looks pretty rough but you won’t find another close to that price.

 
 By: descartes1 : February 25th, 2019-20:10
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.

 
 By: rolandc : February 25th, 2019-21:46
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!

 
 By: baufoam : February 25th, 2019-23:04
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.

 
 By: rolandc : February 25th, 2019-23:14
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 ...  

Beautiful watch [nt]

 
 By: Arie - Mr Orange : February 27th, 2019-02:54

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.

 
 By: amanico : February 26th, 2019-00:13
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.

 
 By: rolandc : February 26th, 2019-00:50
Other than the corroded sub dial hands and the scratches, the movement is very clean and in good condition.

Thanks for the advice. [nt]

 
 By: rolandc : February 26th, 2019-01:25

Great reference

 
 By: Passionata_george : February 26th, 2019-00:39
but that rust spot(if it is really that) between 6-12 a bit worrisome.

if so then fine [nt]

 
 By: Passionata_george : February 26th, 2019-01:57

While I cannot see the price....

 
 By: lascases : February 26th, 2019-00:52
... 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... 

Thanks. Asking is around usd 22k.

 
 By: rolandc : February 26th, 2019-01:29
I have send an email to Patek.

This is super cheap!

 
 By: lascases : February 26th, 2019-03:26
Seems even too low.

I saw one asking for USD 28k plus on Chrono24 from an Italian based seller.

 
 By: rolandc : February 26th, 2019-03:44
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.

 
 By: geross : February 26th, 2019-02:35
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 😉

Thank you. :-) [nt]

 
 By: rolandc : February 26th, 2019-03:31

The price is good but I probably wouldn’t take this

 
 By: Poky : February 26th, 2019-04:56
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.

 
 By: rolandc : February 26th, 2019-05:20
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... 

I have been searching for this reference locally for quite a while. [nt]

 
 By: rolandc : February 26th, 2019-05:42
Was surprised when I saw it on the display.

Costly service

 
 By: watch-er : February 26th, 2019-06:18
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... 

Usually...

 
 By: lascases : February 26th, 2019-06:53
... service cost should be 2.5k max for the issues discussed above.

What I had in mind... [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 26th, 2019-09:40

Patek quoted me USD 1,910.00 inclusive of dial hands replacement and another USD 225.00 if I want it polish it.

 
 By: rolandc : February 27th, 2019-02:41
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.

 
 By: rolandc : February 27th, 2019-03:32
They told me that they can do a light polish.

Would not

 
 By: lascases : February 27th, 2019-04:02
polish it either. Still looks fine and keeping the hallmarks as is would be great!

That sounds

 
 By: lascases : February 27th, 2019-04:01
like what I also expected.

Hmmm

 
 By: descartes1 : February 27th, 2019-04:36
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.

 
 By: rolandc : February 27th, 2019-06:03
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

 
 By: descartes1 : February 27th, 2019-08:03
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.

 
 By: rolandc : March 2nd, 2019-08:45
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.

That’s pretty reasonable

 
 By: descartes1 : March 2nd, 2019-15:44
Congrats on a great find

I would like to thank everyone for their helpful opinions. Really useful and I had managed to negotiate for a lower price. Really happy.

 
 By: rolandc : February 27th, 2019-02:52
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...  

Congratulations! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : February 27th, 2019-03:11

Thank you. [nt]

 
 By: rolandc : February 27th, 2019-03:29

Many congrats!

 
 By: lascases : February 27th, 2019-04:03
This like an excellent purchase to me.

Final total cost.

 
 By: rolandc : March 2nd, 2019-08:46
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!

 
 By: GUZZ : March 17th, 2019-15:39
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.

 
 By: rolandc : March 18th, 2019-00:29
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.