Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar reference 3940J
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1987
Maker / issuer
Patek PhilippeThis Patek Philippe reference 3940J is an 18k yellow gold perpetual calendar wristwatch dating to 1987. It represents an early second-series configuration, distinguished by a specific dial layout.
This dial features sub-dials for day and month with double-step bevelled edges, while the subsidiary seconds dial at 3 o’clock excludes the crosshair markings found on later versions. The calendar displays are in French. The watch is powered by the ultra-thin automatic calibre 240Q movement and is encased in a 36mm yellow gold case with a solid case-back. The object is accompanied by an official Extract from the Archives confirming its manufacture and sale in 1987, as well as 2020 Patek Philippe service documentation.
It is fitted with a leather strap and the original gold pin buckle.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Perpetual calendar
- Maker
- Patek Philippe
- Movement
- Calibre 240Q
- Reference
- 3940J
- Case Diameter
- 36mm
- Case Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Calendar Language
- French
- Date of Manufacture
- 1987
- Maker / attribution
- Patek Philippe
Design
- Visible features
- • Dial sub-dials have double-step bevelled edges • Subsidiary seconds dial at 3 o'clock lacks a crosshair • Calendar inscriptions are in French • Movement is the automatic Calibre 240Q
- Movement and Functionality
- At the heart of the timepiece is the Patek Philippe calibre 240Q, an ultra-thin automatic movement developed for perpetual calendar complications. The movement is housed within a 36mm case, maintaining a balance between technical complexity and wearability.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The object is accompanied by official documentation, including an Extract from the Archives provided by Patek Philippe, which confirms both the manufacture and the sale date of the watch in 1987. Further records include service documentation from 2020. The watch retains its original Patek Philippe gold pin buckle, paired with a leather strap. The vendor identifies the watch as having a serial number beginning with 283 and a movement serial number beginning with 770. These numbers corroborate the 1987 production date attributed to the watch.
- Design and Dial Characteristics
- The reference 3940J features a 36mm case crafted from 18k yellow gold, fitted with a solid case-back. The watch displays a perpetual calendar layout with a moon phase and inscriptions in French. This specific example is identified by the vendor as an 'early second-series' variant, produced for a restricted timeframe between 1987 and 1989. The dial layout contains subtle variations compared to later iterations of the reference. The day and month sub-dials exhibit double-step bevelled edges, which the source describes as providing added visual depth.
Identification
- Reference
- 3940J
- Serial number
- 283xxxx
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Total production numbers are based on belief rather than confirmed data
- Research required: The exact serial number is partially obscured in the source