
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar, ref. 3940P, 2002
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe (maker)
- Date
- 2002
- Historical period
- Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Diameter 36 mm
- Stock no.
- Patek_ant002-1
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Watches of Knightsbridge (Patek_ant002-1)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar 3940P (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Watches of Knightsbridge (dealer), London (stock number Patek_ant002-1), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 2002. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Diameter 36 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Watches of Knightsbridge
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Moonphase in platinum. This is the 3rd series of the reference 3940P from 2002. This example features its original brushed silver dial with Italian script and Sigma Swiss inline with the minute tracking. This reference features a 36mm case diameter with solid case-back. The hallmarks remain clearly visible on the back of the lugs. The watch houses a self-winding calibre 240Q movement. Finally, the watch is complimented by its original Patek Philippe crocodile strap and platinum deployment clasp. The watch is in excellent original condition and appears to have been rarely from new. The current owner (vendor) purchased the watch from the original owner and did not wear it for over a decade whilst it has been in his collection. The service history is unknown however we have tested the watch and it is keeping excellent time. In addition to this, the watch is fully functioning and therefore not in need of an immediate service. The strap is also excellent. Overall this is an excellent example of a very rare and important model by Patek Philippe. In our opinion, this is a “must have” model for collectors and the interest for this reference will only continue to grow. The condition and set make this one of the best example a collector will find.
Specifications — Watches of Knightsbridge
Reference: 3940P; Movement: Self-Winding Calibre 240Q; Case diameter: 36mm; Bracelet/strap: PP leather strap, platinum deployment
Historical context
Mechanical Renaissance (1990 – 2010)
Mechanical watches return as cultural objects; independent watchmaking flourishes.
Mechanical watches returned as cultural and luxury objects. Complications, tourbillons and new materials proliferated; independent watchmakers such as George Daniels, F.P. Journe and Philippe Dufour revived artisanal watchmaking; collecting vintage watches became a major field.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Quartz Revolution
Atlas type guide
Calendar, moon-phase and perpetual calendar watches
Calendar complications range from a simple date to the perpetual calendar, which automatically allows for months of different lengths and leap years until 2100. Pocket watches with perpetual calendars were made in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries; Patek Philippe made the first perpetual calendar wristwatch in 1925, and series production followed in 1941. The annual calendar (Patek Philippe, 1996) needs correction only once a year.
Moon-phase displays use a disc with two moons and 59 teeth advanced daily, approximating the 29.5-day lunation; more precise trains reduce the error to one day in over a century.
What to look for
- Apertures or subsidiary dials for day, date, month and leap year.
- Moon disc under a 'bosom' shaped aperture.
- Recessed correctors on the case band for setting the calendar.
Dating clues
- Triple-date wristwatches: popular c. 1940–1955.
- Perpetual calendar wristwatches: from 1925 (unique) and 1941 (series).
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
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