The 3940 is serious complication made simple, the purest distillation of Patek Philippe's last four decades of watchmaking. In the modern era, Patek Philippe have built their foundation on the serial production of high-watchmaking complications. That began with this revolutionary micro-rotor calibre 240Q, one of the most innovative perpetual calendars ever. More importantly, the design was timeless from the start, from its ultra-thin proportions to the clear subdial design. This second series 3940 in platinum is simply the best of modern Patek Philippe.
The 3940 was an audacious project from the start, debuting in 1985 still amidst much uncertainty in Switzerland. Alongside the 3970, this was the return of high mechanical watchmaking complication to its home. But where the 3970 continued to evolve prior PCC designs, the 3940 revolutionized the QP.
This was accomplished via the ultra-thin micro-rotor calibre 240Q, just 3.75mm tall while retaining chronometric specification and a 48 hour power reserve; a micro-engineering masterpiece. In order offset the loss of torque from a micro-rotor sized mass, Patek Philippe engineered a new gear tooth shape with an optimized polish for less frictional loss. This was all regulated by a Gyromax balance and finished to Geneva Seal standards, which was still the Patek Philippe way in the era of the 3940. This allowed for a classic 36mm proportion and ultra-thin case, which has stood the test of time.
The dial of the 3940 is widely considered to be the most well-balanced QP ever made. It features a stacked month with leap-year indication at 3, combined moonphase with date at 6, and stacked day with day/night indication at 9. These subdials all use elegant beautifully finished contrasting feuille hands, where the main dauphine handset add a touch of strength and masculinity to an otherwise very restrained dial. The dial base is lightly brushed and opaline, with beautifully faceted and hand-finished applied indices.
This late second series example introduced the bevelled subdial, which lends a wider-eye look to the 3940 dial. In addition, the Patek Philippe signature is slightly larger. While the second series introduced the display back, platinum examples were always manufactured with a solid platinum caseback, which is simply opulent. In addition, its hallmarks are still on the case side and not lug backs. The distinction between this late second series and early second series is the addition of the crosshair we see in the month and leap year subdial. The seconds series was produced from 1989 until 1995.
First and second series production is considerably smaller than third and fourth/last series, as a greater quantity of handcraft techniques were still used in dial-making production. First series production is widely estimated to be around 1000 examples. This second series is thought to have been made in 3500 examples. The remainder third series comprises the majority of the roughly 7000-8000 example overall production from 1985-2007. Platinum is the least produced metal. Early platinum pieces are the least seen standard production specification excluding Saatchi, Beyer, and Doré dials.
Since debut, the 3940 has become the commanding Perpetual Calendar of the last half-century for collectors. It introduced the world to complicated Swiss mechanical watchmaking at scale and also re-established Patek Philippe's prowess in micro-engineering, proportions, and design. It is complicated Patek Philippe, distilled to pure clarity.
