Patek Philippe

Especially when we are used to their design, they bring that dressy traditional and very refined thing that make an owner very proud wearing.

The opinions expressed by our friends summed-up the subject very well and I must say I won't have something very valuable to add :p

Be careful of the sapphire case back/plain caseback availability. I saw your latest post about this so I think you're already aware of this evolution among the 3940 period. As a matter of fact, I don't know from which date or reference exactly both caseback were available. I'm sure that asking a Patek Salon by phone will be a good way to start.

They both share the same movement and that's a very good point.

The main differences are asthetical ones: size and dial decoration.

So, these are very subjective elements.

Indeed, people used to seeing/wearing older references will prefer very small watches and will be "shaped" by the more traditional style (hands, fonts etc...) while more recent generations who have been used to seeing the watches from the 20 last years mainly will have a totally different opinion. That's why you have people liking both watches (it is the same for many other references btw).

So size is a question of your wrist size combined to what you eyes are used to see (your own watch etc...).

Now, what may be even more important than size is the aesthetcial difference: so you should consider the dial decoration that appeals to you and not the one that is the most popular on this forum (like 3940 I guess). As some emphasized, if you choose what seems to be the general consensus, remember that it is you who will be wearing it everyday and who will be face to face with the watch.

It is very interesting to read all the opinions as they are people who are used to seeing those watches and they can put forward elements you didn't think of at first and that can help you take the right decision.

But, you will certainly have a different taste than other popele on the forum as well.

Also, remember that watches look very different in the metal, much smaller. In that case, many details that look major on a picture here look much less visible in the real, and you may even not notice them or see them as an issue.

Watches should be seen also as a stand alone and away from other influences. Then, you take another one aside and do the same and try to feel how it works.

The mistake would be here to underestimate the 5140 compared to the 3940.

The 5140 remains very dressy and classical but less traditional and conservative. I personally find that some (not all) dials of the 3940 have a unique charm I like a lot as well.

All this to say that there won't be a wrong choice and that you should really try both. Then you'll be able to move one to the next step.

Have a look at those 3940 dials (depending on the material and generations, so many to see before choosing) and the 5140 for the touch of modernity it brings.

Keep us informed!

Best, Mark

5140G:

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