Doré Dial Patek Philippe 3940

The 3940 has gone through a bit of a transition in the last 5 years, from simply being the discontinued QP to being recognized as, arguably but with significant consensus, the sole reference which most defines the modern era and reinvigorated the marque. However, no one seems quite able to decide just what the most desirable iteration is. Does the more proportional and minimalist balance of a first series dial appeal more, or do you like some bevels and crosshairs in your registers? Are you willing to spend 3X for a Beyer stamp and an individually numbered dial or salmon Saatchi in white gold? Well, one of the most noble options often gets overlooked in this discussion. It’s the early non-Beyer, but still Doré, and it’s magnificent.

Doré, which translates as golden, is in Patek Philippe a very precise rosy champagne, a halfway stop between salmon and outright gold at 80% opacity. It was this light champagne that the first ever Beyer-signed 3940s were released in, but production of the color didn’t stop when the Beyer signatures did. Doré dials are seen in first and second series but are quite rare in both. This is an early second series, which lacks the crosshair divider and is generally more desired for it. To my knowledge they weren’t offered in third series, but I’ve been wrong before. It’s been widely speculated that there are actually more doré dials made with Beyer signatures in the initial run of 25 than doré dials without any signature. That puts total estimates around the same 25 or fewer, but these are tenuous numbers only really gleaned from the lack of frequency we find these coming up in the market.

And so, we return to the initial query. What is ultimate? A yellow gold third series will be the ultimate value buy. A Beyer is most valuable. A salmon Saatchi dial is probably the most collectible white case, but the two known blue dials in platinum cases made after production finished are probably rarest. And you can’t deny the timeless restrained appeal of a first series dial, stepped subs. But this doré non-Beyer dial simultaneously hits a Goldilocks zone of niche, rare, and beautiful. It is the most delicate of dial tones, largely unique to the 3940 & 3970, an aesthetic that belongs entirely to the neo-classic Patek era. If you’re agreed that this is the modern Patek QP, and setting down that path, this might be the most neo-looking dial. It’s worth its premium more than most in Patek Philippe. A real reminder of optimistic, daring, watchmaking-focused times. Certainly moreso than today.

This example appears to be in fairly strong condition, definitely dial side. It should be noted that the case has seen a polish. The dial is lovely, completely unaltered and perfect. Its solid back looks fantastic. It comes with an Extract of Archive from a well-regarded Singaporean retailer.