Patek Philippe

• cal. 240Q automatic damascened nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 27 jewels, free-sprung Gyromax balance, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, 22k gold micro-rotor engraved with the Calatrava cross • two-tone silvered dial, applied  gold baton numerals, three subsidiary dials indicating day combined with 24-hour indicator, date combined with aperture for moon-phases, and month combined with leap year indicator (calendar in English) • 18k yellow gold case, concave bezel, snap-on solid back, integral yellow gold weave bracelet • case, dial, movement and bracelet signed

Very rare and early example of the reference 3940. The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, all functions are advancing correctly. Dial is in good overall condition with clear two-toning, there is a very small scratch by "March" and a very small mark in the 24-hour indication dial. Case with a small dent to the bezel at 8 o'clock and some minor scuffs but overall the watch and bracelet are in good condition. The bracelet is a Patek Philippe bracelet and has been soldered to the lugs, although the Certificate does not mention the bracelet it would appear that this was more than likely added at the point of sale.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a Certificate of Origin and an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1986 and sale on June 9th the same year. Together with instructions, leather wallet, setting pin and wooden presentation case.

The present lot is one of the earliest examples of ref. 3940 to have been made and was manufactured the same year as the model's launch (1986). Interestingly, the subsidiary dials for day/24-hour indication and month/leap year indication are distinctly different from the later versions of the reference. The subsidiary dials appear smaller on the present lot when compared to later versions of the reference. In fact the sunken part of the subsidiary dials are the standard size but the day and month rings are usually contained on chamfered chapter rings, however, on this early version, they are displayed on the main flat dial surface. This creates a very different visual effect which is further enhanced by the two-tone finish of the dial, whereby the subsidiary dials catch the light in a different manner to the rest of the dial surface. Further differences seen in the present lot include the signature, which is of an earlier style, with an accented 'Genève' and the subsidiary dial for month/leap year indication which does not feature a cross dividing it into quarters which one finds on later versions of the reference. A comparison to the later reference 3940 can be made by referring to lot 132.