Grail: Patek Philippe 3940 first series Dial

The Patek Philippe Ref. 3940 can confidently be called one of the most succesfull perpetual calendars from Patek Philippe. And for two reasons: firstly, it is a watch with a great movement, and secondly, this reference was built by Patek Philippe for twenty-one years, starting in 1985. Even for Patek Philippe that’s an impressively long period. And that Ref. The 3940 is something special and this is proven by the fact that Patek Philippe’s former president, Philippe Stern, wears this watch every day.

Movement: Automatic caliber 240-Q, powered by a 22K gold rotor

Dial: Applied gold baton hour markers, a dot outer minute track. 3 recessed sub dials at 3,6 and 9 positions. Indicating the month and leap year, date- and moon-phase and the day and 24hr display.

Case: 18k yellow gold, 36mm in diameter, 8.5mm thick. Quick set buttons at 6, 9 and 12 o'clock positions.

What makes the first series special?
The first series production run was very short, from 1985 till 1987. The easiest way to identify a first series is by the recessed sub-dials at the 3 and 9 positions. The Month and Day indicators are printed flush on the dial service. The sigma on the dial sits below the minute track, and the case is stamped with hallmarks on the side at the 9 o'clock position.

The most common metal for the frist series is yellow gold, however some white gold and platinum cases have been found. All produced with a solid case-back. The dials were either a lightly brushes opaline dial or the more rare gold dial. Collectors think that only 700 first series models were produced in this short period. Making this a highly sought after Patek Philippe.