3941J, Perpetual Calendar, Early Second Series, 'Doré' Dial, Yellow Gold

This 3941J is amongst the most attractive complications to leave the doors of Patek Philippe in the late 1980s. It is an Early Seconds Series, defined by the golden-pink, warm tone of its crosshair-less dial. Known as ‘Doré’ amongst collectors, these dials are seen in First Series and Early Second Series only. The 3940 began with a limited run of 25 Beyer-signed, Doré dial examples. But the tone didn’t stop there. It is widely agreed that there are even fewer unsigned Doré dials from later in production, one of the most difficult dials to hunt. In the ref. 3941J, this is one of just two examples known. However, the other is in German. This is the only known Doré 3941 with an English calendar. 

The 3941 is a lesser seen, separate reference variant of the 3940 created before the standardization of selling both a solid and sapphire caseback with each example. Prior to, customers could opt for a sapphire caseback at extra cost by special request, which was the 3941. The 3941 reference was discontinued in the late second series, when both merged into the 3940 reference. But these early 3941 examples are considered some of the most desirable by collectors. Fewer than 40 examples are known of the 3941.  

Doré dials after the 25 Beyer examples were all made at special request of customers. The descriptions of its shade range from rosy champagne to gold and indeed it can appear as either in different light. Aside from the rarity, it’s not hard to see how this became one of the most desirable dials made.  

This is all not even to mention the underpinning 3940 itself, the personal daily wearer of choice for Philippe Stern himself. 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. And in this example, you get to see it.

The 3940 has become the defining perpetual calendar of the last half-century, and this specification might just be its most attractive variant ever. While that’s up for debate, there is no debating that it introduced the world to complicated Swiss mechanical watchmaking at scale and re-established Patek Philippe's prowess in micro-engineering, proportions, and design. This is the very best of complicated Patek Philippe from Philippe Stern’s reign. 

This 3941J presents in exceptional overall condition. The case sports extremely strong hallmarks and full edges, while its complete history is unknown it appears as untouched. The dial shows no signs of damage anywhere. All printed scripts including the signature are strong. Its calibre 240Q is running within 5 sec/day on our timing equipment.

This example is modelled on an average-sized 7-inch wrist