Good evening everyone.
As the days get gradually warmer, the long-awaited spring season is fast approaching. More people are traveling from overseas, and it seems like Ginza is regaining its pre-COVID vibes on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. If you're planning on going out, be sure to stop by Commit Ginza (hereafter referred to as our store).
Well, this time we have received the " Perpetual Calendar " " Ref. 3940J ", which has a sales record in our store, so we would like to introduce it to you. Please enjoy until the end.
"Ref.3940J"
"Perpetual Calendar" 18KYG
First, let's review the "Ref. 3940".
The "Ref. 3940" was announced in 1985 as the next-generation perpetual calendar model, and was equipped with the famous "Cal. 240 Q" model.
With a case diameter of 36mm and a slim case thickness, it is a modest model, but the overall balance is good and it has a presence that exceeds its size. It is also a favorite of watch lovers, including Philippe Stern, honorary chairman of Patek Philippe.
This "Ref. 3940" is a long-selling model that was manufactured for over 20 years from 1985 to 2006, and was available in four materials: PT (platinum), WG (white gold), RG (rose gold), and YG (yellow gold). I have the impression that the majority of the models on the market were made of 18KYG (yellow gold), but I think it has become very rare to see the "Ref. 3940" itself recently.
Dial variations can be broadly divided into three categories:
- The subdials at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions are small and recessed, and the colors of the dial and subdials are different.
- Compared to the first generation, the sub-dial is larger, the recess is shallower, and the color is almost the same.
- The 24-hour counter at the 9 o'clock position is colored from 6 o'clock to 6 o'clock so that the day or night can be instantly identified, and the numbers for the leap year display at the 3 o'clock position are not divided by lines.
- Early production models have a darker color between 18:00 and 6 o'clock on the 24-hour counter at the 9 o'clock position.
As an aside, until the early 1990s, only closed case backs were produced, but there was also a reference (model number) called "Ref. 3941" that had a skeleton back that was sold at the same time. After that, the skeleton back was made to come with a closed case back. ( As a result, production of the "Ref. 3941" ended.)
It is said that the "Ref. 3940" manufactured between 1985 and 1992 was only available with a closed back, but the watch we are introducing here was sold in November 1992, according to the warranty, and since it has a skeleton back and also comes with a closed back, it is assumed to have been made shortly after the switch to two backs.
The ultra-thin movement "Cal. 240 Q", which can be seen through the skeleton back and has an outer diameter of 27.5 mm and a thickness of just 3.88 mm, is considered to be such a refined movement that it is also installed in the current "Perpetual Calendar".
By the way, models manufactured after the late 1990s are equipped with a minor change to the "Cal. 240/114."
Although there is some damage inside the inner box, it comes with an old box, warranty card, pass case, case back, adjustment pin, and booklets, making it a perfect addition to any collection. As shown in the photo, we will also give you a Patek Philippe watch case as a bonus.
The selling price is 7,975,000 yen (tax included)
There are almost no examples for sale in Japan, and even on the famous overseas sales site "Chrono24", there are no examples for sale for under 8,000,000 yen (excluding tax)! Just like the "Ref. 3970" that we introduced in a recent Patek theory, I think the reputation of classic models is increasing year by year. It might be a good idea to grab one now.
summary
What did you think.
The "Ref. 3940" is rarely seen on the market and is classified as a rare item. It is a masterpiece with a handsome face and a movement that is so well-made that it is called a masterpiece, so why not consider purchasing it at this opportunity?
We will continue to let you know when attractive watches become available.
see you!