Important Watches

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 2323. ‘No. 008’, Reference 3939 | An important yellow gold minute repeating tourbillon wristwatch with enamel dial, Circa 1993.

Patek Philippe

‘No. 008’, Reference 3939 | An important yellow gold minute repeating tourbillon wristwatch with enamel dial, Circa 1993

Estimate

2,400,000 - 4,500,000 HKD

Lot Details

Description

Patek Philippe

No. 008, Reference 3939

An important yellow gold minute repeating tourbillon wristwatch with enamel dial, Circa 1993

Dial: white enamel

Calibre: cal. RTO 27 PS, 28 jewels

Movement number: 1’903’008

Case: 18k yellow gold, snap on sapphire crystal display back

Case number: 2’906’877

Closure: black Patek Philippe alligator strap and 18k yellow gold buckle

Size: 33 mm diameter

Signed: case, dial and movement

Accessories: none

Considered by many to be one of the most important neo-vintage references from Patek Philippe, the true allure of the present reference 3939 lies in the restrained elegance. Featuring an enamel dial, which is among the most revered forms of dial making, it requires prodigious skill that takes years for an artisan to master. Despite this, only 1 out of every 6 dial meets Patek Philippe’s exact standards, meaning this technique is reserved for only a select few references.

Beneath the dial are two of the grandest complications in watchmaking: the minute repeater and the tourbillon. Indeed, a combination of these two grand complications will propel any watch into the upper echelons of haute horlogerie, but to house both complications in a classical and compact 33 mm case proved to be an extraordinary triumph of engineering only possible with the world's most acclaimed watchmaker. As a result, the production of the 3939 required immense technical acumen and scholarship estimates that only 12 pieces of the reference were produced each year, with only 75 yellow gold examples being made.

With the market favoring more modest case sizes in recent years, the 3939 has skyrocketed into the zeitgeist of Patek Philippe. However, despite its demand, due to the fact that the reference saw a production run of less than 200 throughout, an example seldom comes to the market every year. The present example is further distinguished by its extremely early movement number, indeed proving that it is the eighth 3939 ever made.

百達翡麗 No. 008 型號3939

重要黃金三問陀飛輪腕錶，備琺瑯錶盤，約1993年製

Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense.

Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band.

Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.

"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."