PATEK PHILIPPE | REFERENCE 3940JYELLOW GOLD PERPETUAL CALENDAR WRISTWATCH WITH MOON-PHASES AND LEAP-YEAR INDICATIONMADE IN 1991

Dial: silvered Calibre: cal. 240 Q automatic, 27 jewelsMovement number: 772'996Case: 18ct yellow gold, snap-on sapphire crystal display back Case number: 2'905'252Closure: brown Patek Philippe alligator strap with 18ct yellow gold Patek Philippe pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movement Accessories: Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, Extract from the Archives confirming date of sale on January 31st, 1992, Patek Philippe leather folder with booklets and user manual, one setting pin, one additional plain 18ct yellow gold caseback and later presentation case

DIAL: in excellent condition with no signs of ageing CASE: in good condition with subtle scratches throughout consistent with age and careful wear of the piece. Hallmarks are very slightly rubbed. MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing, perpetual calendar functions are functional. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**.
"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."

The 3940 was produced over a period of twenty years from about 1985 to 2007. It is considered as the quintessential automatic perpetual calendar reference manufactured by Patek Philippe. The design was so well received and timeless that it was preserved by its successor, the reference 5140, where only subtle changes were made.

Becoming increasingly collectible, the 3940 underwent several evolutions. The present lot belongs to the second series which was produced between 1988 and 1998. Pieces from that series have an opaline silvered dial, beveled subsidiary dials with divided leap year indication, 'obus' indexes and a slightly larger Patek Philippe signature.

The present lot still retains very good proportions, and is offered with its two original case backs, Certificate of Origin and literature.