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Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar ref. 5140J with extract of the archives, 2007 — view 1 of 6
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Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar ref. 5140J with extract of the archives, 2007

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Patek Philippe (maker)
Date
2007
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 37 mm
Stock no.
W-2870
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-2870)
Catalogue title (original)
Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar ref. 5140J with extract of the archives (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-2870), this is a wristwatch by Patek Philippe, made in Switzerland, dated 2007. The Atlas places it in the Mechanical Renaissance period (1990 – 2010) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 37 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 — Bulang & Sons

In the world of complicated watches, particularly in the realm of perpetual calendars, Patek Philippe holds the crown. The 5140J, introduced in 2006, succeeded the iconic Ref. 3940, which is now considered one of the most significant watches in Patek Philippe’s modern history. However, in our opinion, the 5140 is greatly underrated and is actually a crown jewel for the future. While continuing the legacy of the micro-rotor calibre 240 Q, the 5140J introduced a number of subtle yet important refinements. Today, it stands as the benchmark against which all other modern automatic perpetual calendars are measured. Slightly larger than its predecessor, the Ref. 3940, at 37 mm (compared to 36 mm for the 3940), the 5140J features updates like more contemporary typography. The 5140 is much more than just a successor to the throne. It is a watch that exudes effortless elegance in any attire, understated yet flawless in every detail. And when we say every detail, we mean it—whether you examine it with a 6x loupe or a 25x loupe, inspecting a subdial hand or the anglage on its balance, the experience remains consistently exceptional. No matter how closely you scrutinize its components, the finishing remains impeccable. This is a watch that doesn’t seek attention but is quietly exceptional, revealing more of its brilliance the closer you look! The example at hand is in well-cared-for condition, with a thick case and a fantastic “Opaline”-colored dial, as Patek Philippe describes it. The watch comes on a lovely Bulang and Sons strap with its original Patek 18k yellow gold folding clasp. The Extract from the Archives of Patek Philippe states the date of manufacture as 2007 and the sale as 2008. The movement has been fully checked by our watch maker and operating perfectly, after a recent service by the previous owner. Please get in touch to discuss this pinnacle of watchmaking with us ! Specifications: - Patek Philippe 5140 - 37mm yellow gold case with open case back - Case serial 441xxxx / movement no 312xxxx - Dates to 2007 - Sapphire glass caseback - Perpetual calendar three sub dials layout with moonphase - Automatic movement Cal 240Q with micro rotor - Bulang and Sons Leather strap with original Patek Philippe folding gold buckle - Archive extract stating a sale in 2008 - Fully serviced by our watchmaker - Includes a handmade leather watch pouch

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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