Patek Philippe

• cal. RTO 27 PS manual winding nickel lever movement, 28 jewels, one-minute tourbillon carriage, Gyromax balance, minute repeating on two gongs • white enamel dial, applied gold Breguet numerals, subsidiary dial for constant seconds • 18k yellow gold case, minute repeating slide to the band, sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Rare and collectable! Manual winding movement running, tourbillon and minute repeating function fully operational while cataloguing. Minute repeating sound is crisp and well paced. Enamel dial is intact and looks nice and clean. Case and buckle with minor scuffs from light wear only. Overall appears in excellent condition. Highly recommended!
"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."

With an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1992 and sale on October 30th of the same year. Together with a Patek Philippe presentation box.

The Ref. 3939 was first launched in 1993, and Patek Philippe has recently announced that all production of the Ref. 3939 will cease by the end of the year.  The movement, caliber RTO 27 PS composed of 336 miniscule parts, incorporates two of the most coveted complications, the minute repeater and the tourbillon.  The unparalleled resonance and exquisite tone of this timepiece's minute repeating chime undoubtedly appeal to the most discerning collector.  Furthermore, the gravity-defying tourbillon admired through the sapphire crystal case back, allows the watch to achieve chronometer-like accuracy.  For technical reasons, Patek Philippe chose to conceal the tourbillon, rather than revealing it through an aperture on the dial-side.  If exposed to ultraviolet light or daylight, the long-term accuracy and longevity of this delicately lubricated device would be compromised.

The classically proportioned 33 mm case hearkens back to the elegance of Patek Philippe's signature, the Calatrava.  A genuine white enamel dial complements the pure lines and clean aesthetic, expressing understated elegance.

This 3939, manufactured in 1992, was the first ever to be offered to the public, even prior to the official launch of the reference.  The movement is numbered 1903001, offering an exceptional opportunity for discerning collectors to acquire the first ever 3939 sold to the public.  The watch bearing movement number 1903000 is now kept in the Patek Philippe museum and is illustrated in "Patek Philippe Wristwatches," by Martin Huber and Alan Banbery, 1998 Edition, p. 330.  According to our research, this is one of only six yellow gold Ref. 3939 to have appeared at auction of an estimated 70 pieces produced.  This undoubtedly adds to the immense desirability and rarity of this incredibly iconic timepiece.