Thank you.

Dec 31, 2017,08:17 AM
 

I have looked around a little so far. I find many 3970s incomplete, either missing box or missing certificate of origin or the extra case back. . I feel that a complete set is a must.
The other thing to consider is when buying the 3rd series 3970E, many more pieces were made , they all came with an additional solid case back. Second series came with a solid case back and the buyer could order a display case back as an addition.

Happy New Year🎊🎊

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3940J - advice on an (early) 3rd series model

 
 By: Benf : December 30th, 2017-17:47
Hi all, 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 ...  

Only the first serie

 
 By: tactictac : December 30th, 2017-18:25
( 700) and very few of the second serie hade différent deal...

3940 is a classic must have for true Patek collectors but...

 
 By: ThomasM : December 30th, 2017-18:49
It is still in a nadir stage due to being unfashionably small. Same with 5050... Stick with gen 1 or 2 but remember it might be hard to deaccession for maybe a decade or 3... But if you like / love it go with your heart. The greatest value to a Purist ent... 

Thanks. I get that the earlier ones are preferred. But

 
 By: Benf : December 30th, 2017-21:11
if one were to stick with a third series dial, given it was in production for so long, is there any intrinsic value for an earlier one (produced say in the 1st year, 1990) vs a later one (say 2000)?

3940

 
 By: fabios : December 30th, 2017-23:55
Deployante is not correct, is for Ellipse.

+1 ! 😉 [nt]

 
 By: Mike H : December 31st, 2017-00:10

First of all...

 
 By: Mike H : December 31st, 2017-00:09
...welcome here ! It is always a pleasure to welcome a new member and if he arrives just at the edge of the new year and is a Patek aficionado it can be only a good sign ! To come back to your question, I cannot tell you what is good or bad or tell you wh... 

Platinum = no sapphire back

 
 By: Benf : December 31st, 2017-04:09
Thanks for your kind words and detailed reply Mike. One downside with the 3940P is that it only comes with solid case back. For a newbie like me, I likes the sapphire back so I can view the movement: chuckle.

There is no harm with liking a sapphire case back ;)

 
 By: Mike H : December 31st, 2017-05:25
In that case I would go for a R or a G version. Both are stunning... I actually owned G, R, and P in my horological journey and R and P are the 2 ones that made my heart beat faster, so if P is out for you choice becomes obvious... . Good luck with your c... 

I would not think too much how collectible the watch is.

 
 By: dr.kol : December 31st, 2017-00:18
In all versions 3940 is a wonderful watch to wear. I would go for a version with two case backs and correct deployment buckle. Have you checked the red gold version? Even I'm not a big fan of coloured metals, 3940R is stunning. Best, Kari

3940....

 
 By: fabios : December 31st, 2017-01:53
Here is my 3940R...a fantastic every day watch. ...  

Indeed!

 
 By: dr.kol : December 31st, 2017-02:14
Ref. 3940 is not a big collectors' item but a fantastic watch to wear. An iconic perpetual calendar regardless the version. Best, Kari

Amazing photo amazing watch!

 
 By: Costa (aka Connie) : December 31st, 2017-05:07
Every time I see this picture I get goose bumps. It is the best pic of this reference I have ever seen. Happy New Year. CB

When you say it’s not a big collectors’ item

 
 By: Benf : December 31st, 2017-03:16
Thanks all for your comments. As you can see, I’m new to this hobby and any insights/suggestions is most welcome. Is it because this reference was made for so long with production ~7,000pcs (source Hodinkee)? Or is it due to the (relatively) small size? T... 

First serie

 
 By: tactictac : December 31st, 2017-04:28
700 pcs, the big difference is not only the dial bat the year indication; this was "springing"(complication) after streiking... ...  

I think you are correct on 2 counts.

 
 By: Costa (aka Connie) : December 31st, 2017-05:17
The small size and large production numbers make it less collectible I think. Many Patek collectors gravitate towards pieces that are rare such as the amazing “London Edition “3940 with a salmon colored dial. Only 5 pieces made. A forum member has one and... 

Thank you.

 
 By: Costa (aka Connie) : December 31st, 2017-08:17
I have looked around a little so far. I find many 3970s incomplete, either missing box or missing certificate of origin or the extra case back. . I feel that a complete set is a must. The other thing to consider is when buying the 3rd series 3970E, many m... 

Broaden my search

 
 By: Benf : December 31st, 2017-06:13
Even though this’s a common reference, dealers in Australia seldom see it. So I’ll be doing some (watch) shopping when I’m in HK next month . Given the importance of condition, I’ll be very reluctant to purchase without seeing it first.