Patek Philippe

• 240Q nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, 27 jewels, Gyromax balance, free sprung regulator, 21k gold micro-rotor • silvered dial, applied faceted baton numerals, three subsidiary dials indicating day combined with 24-hour indicator, month combined with leap year indicator and date combined with aperture for moon-phases • 18k white gold circular case, stepped bezel • with an 18k white gold PP integral woven bracelet and clasp • case, dial and movement signed

Automatic movement running, day, date, month and moon-phases advancing while cataloguing, however it is recommended to get service. Dial looks nice and clean. A minor scratch on the sapphire crystal top but hardly noticeable and can be replaced easily. Case, bracelet and clasp with minor scuffs from light wear and can be polished off easily. Overall appears in excellent condition.
"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 Patek Philippe presentation box. Further accompanied by an extract from the Archives confirming production in 1991 and sale on May 31st, 1991.

Production of reference 3945/1 began in 1985 and ceased around 1998. The model was manufactured in two series, the first with sunken leap year dial, the second featured a cross through the leap year dial. Reference 3945/1 incorporated the calibre 240Q with a movement thickness of just 2.4mm and power reserve of 48 hours.

This particular watch has never been offered at auction before, as it has been preserved in a private collection since its purchase.  According to our research, this is one of only eight examples of this reference in white gold to appear at auction. 

The Ref. 3945 is distinguished from Ref. 3940 in that it features an integrated bracelet, elegant and stylistically characteristic of gentlemen's dress wristwatches in the 1980s and 1990s.  Today, this watch remains a classic collectable, quintessentially Patek Philippe in its understated and refined use of 18k white gold.