Important Watches I
Important Watches I
Property from an International Collector
Patek Philippe
Reference 3940 | A limited edition perpetual calendar wristwatch with day, date, moon phases, leap year indication and champagne dial, Made to commemorate the 225th Anniversary of Chronometrie Beyer, Made in 1985 | 百達翡麗 | 型號3940 | 限量版萬年曆腕錶，備日期、星期、月相、閏年顯示及檳香色錶盤，為紀念 Chronometrie Beyer 225 週年而製，1985年製
Auction Closed
April 26, 10:38 AM GMT
Estimate
1,200,000 - 1,800,000 HKD
Lot Details
Description
Property from an International Collector
Patek Philippe
Reference 3940
A limited edition perpetual calendar wristwatch with day, date, moon phases, leap year indication and champagne dial, Made to commemorate the 225th Anniversary of Chronometrie Beyer, Made in 1985
百達翡麗
型號3940
限量版萬年曆腕錶，備日期、星期、月相、閏年顯示及檳香色錶盤，為紀念 Chronometrie Beyer 225 週年而製，1985年製
Dial: champagne
Calibre: cal. 240Q automatic, 27 jewels
Movement number: 770'019
Case: 18k yellow gold, snap on case back
Case number: 2'817'896
Closure: black Patek Philippe alligator strap and gilt buckle
Size: 36 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial and movement, dial further stamped by retailer
Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, compliment slip, product literature from Chronometrie Beyer. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with gilded dial and applied yellow gold indexes in 1985 and its subsequent sale on 8 July 1985
附帶證書、禮帖、腕錶文獻及後補資料庫精粹
Whilst many aficionados of horology recognize Patek Philippe’s dominance in the fabrication of a repeating timepiece, its perpetual calendar is a predominant reason that has attributed to the brand’s success and remained as a relevant complication to the many signature collections we enjoy today. The birth of the first perpetual calendar wristwatch with an automatic movement was with the legendary reference 3448 that was in production from 1962 to 1981 and has proven its success with the multiple record breaking achievements in auction history, and the present watch reference 3940 was the successor to this collection.
While the reference 3940 may not be crowned as the world's first automatic perpetual calendar, it too features an impressive movement of its own. Powered by the ultra-thin perpetual calendar calibre 240 equipped with a micro-rotor, this movement was a triumph of micro-engineering and allowed the invention of many great examples that includes the Patek Philippe Nautilus Reference 5740 and base movements for minute repeaters as well.
The present example of the reference 3940 retailed by Beyer is a watch of modernity. Created by Philippe Stern for his friend Theodore Beyer to commemorate the 225th anniversary of Chronometrie Beyer, a total of 25 pieces were made in 1985 and with No. 1 - No. 15 fitted with a German calendar and No. 16 - No. 25 with an English calendar. Aesthetically, the watch is fitted with a beautiful golden dial complementing the golden case that is uncommon for any vintage references we often see today. Highlighted with a No. 19 on the dial, again a characteristic rarely ever done, the historical importance of the present watch is unquestionable as the first and second example of this watch No. 1 and 2 are now both living in the museum of Beyer and Patek Philippe respectively.
Rendered with unique characteristics of the vintage appeal, this watch with the understated elegance that the Maison has been known for since its founding is the appropriate representation of Patek Philippe’s identity.