DESCRIPTION
Introduced in 1985, the Patek Philippe Reference 3940 is widely regarded as one of the defining complicated wristwatches of the modern era. Powered by the ultra-thin self-winding Calibre 240Q with its 22k gold micro-rotor, the 3940 combined remarkable technical sophistication with understated elegance. Its perfectly balanced three-register dial, slim 36 mm case, and timeless proportions have ensured its status as one of the most celebrated perpetual calendars ever produced. It was also notably the perpetual calendar of choice for Philippe Stern, further cementing its place within the manufacture's history.
Produced from 1985 until 2007, before being succeeded by the Reference 5140, the 3940 enjoyed an unusually long production run of twenty-two years. Nevertheless, total production is estimated at only 7,000 to 8,000 pieces across all metals and all three series, making it a remarkably low-volume reference by modern standards. The second series, to which the present watch belongs, represents the most versatile generation, with approximately 3,500 examples believed to have been produced between the early and late second-series variants.
The present watch is an exceptional platinum example, sold in April 1994. Platinum was produced in far smaller numbers than yellow gold, making examples in this noble metal especially sought after by collectors. What elevates this watch to an even greater level of rarity, however, is its German calendar display. The overwhelming majority of Reference 3940 watches were delivered with English calendars, while German-language dials were produced only in very limited numbers for select markets. The combination of a platinum case, second-series execution, and German calendar configuration makes this a highly unusual and desirable example.
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