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Chimaera's detailed examination of his Patek Philippe 3940G 175th Anniversary salmon dial perpetual calendar highlights the subtle yet significant design variations that distinguish this reference. His post serves as a valuable resource for collectors seeking to understand the nuances of Patek Philippe's perpetual calendar lineage, particularly how this specific model blends elements from different references while introducing unique features.
A few weeks ago I had posted a very poor pic and a number of you asked for more. Here they are, still not great (iphone!) but a bit better.
As you can see, this incarnation of the 3940 is somewhat of a curiosity, not just because of the salmon dial (which no photo can do real justice to).
The dial appears borrowed from the 5140, but that's an over-simplification of what we see here. The compressed "27" and "5" around the date sub-dial are 5140 rather than classic 3940, but there are other unusual features.
The batons are 3940, but note the stud batons which at the 3 and 9 positions are 3940 though those at 5 and 7 are also such, and I don't believe one finds those on a classic 3940.
Note also the hands, for which I find no 3940 precedent. They are feuille, rather than dauphin, and have no tail beyond the central pivot. The minute hand resolves to a particularly fine point. The later series 3940s with the roman numerals had alpha hands, but they are bulkier than those seen here, and there is also the related 5550 advanced research (love that piece) that has feuille hands, but with tritium. Also, the secondary hands for the 24hour and leap year indicators are of identical material and finish to the primary ones in those sub-dials, unlike the contrasting finishes in some 3940s.
The differences are subtle but, taken together, I suppose that the design team put a premium on delicacy of form, over function. For me, legibility is maintained and in some respects enhanced. The hands are very slim but are cambered so one half of each hand is in shadow while the other half gleams, so time is immediately and clearly legible at a glance (though i am still in the honeymoon of wanting to stare rather than glance!). Likewise, the subsidiary hands in the 3 and 9 sub-dials are sensibly de-emphasised as their associated functions (is it a leap year this year?) are not ones meriting regular scrutiny.
No photos of the back, it is classic 240 with exhibition back (there is a replacement solid back in the box). The packaging was the usual (zebrano?) winder box.
Love to hear the thoughts of those more expert than I!
The Patek Philippe Reference 3940 is a perpetual calendar wristwatch that was introduced in 1985, succeeding the Reference 3450. It is notable for its relatively slim profile and the integration of a perpetual calendar complication in a refined case. This reference became a cornerstone of Patek Philippe's complicated watch offerings for nearly two decades, establishing a design language for subsequent perpetual calendar models. It represents a significant period in the brand's modern history of complicated timepieces.
The watch features a 36mm case, typically crafted from yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, or platinum. It houses the self-winding Caliber 240 Q movement, which is known for its micro-rotor construction, contributing to the movement's thinness and allowing for a slimmer case profile. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, often accompanied by an interchangeable solid case back and a sapphire display back.
Reference 3940 is highly regarded by collectors for its classic proportions and the enduring appeal of its perpetual calendar display, which includes day, date, month, leap year cycle, and moon phases. It was produced in several series, with subtle variations in dial layout and typography, making early series examples particularly sought after. The reference is considered a benchmark for perpetual calendar watches and remains a significant piece for those appreciating traditional horological complications.
But both are very nice. It's just that the 5140 is little bigger in case diameter. The 240 movement is a reliable movement , very elegant. Thanks for sharing. Best Geross.
and had a quick look at the salmon dia 5070G. Both are stunning. The dial construction of 5070P is even nicer than in the original and perhaps the dial of the re-edition is also darker. I can imagine that it is very difficult to show the dial of your 3940G. But if is the same colour than the one of 5070G, it is simply stunning. Best Kari
First, thanks a lot for sharing these pictures with us, as it is a watch very rare impossible to meet today. I've seen the 3940P not long ago and was impressed by how elegant it looked, especially about the size. It is very unique due to the salmon dial and I imagine how it feels like to wear such a reference. I see you've studied the differences very seriously and it is nice to share this with us (I'm not a specialist and would have missed them). I must say as many here, that I have a very soft
the pictures of the Salmon dial and also carefully pointing out the similarities and differences. This certainly has helped to answer most questions. Cheers !
they should make the Patek Philippe logo larger! Sorry but it looks hideous. 3940 with old spacing was much more elegant
"Hideous" is a wee bit harsh, but I know that you are a first series guy and (though new here) I see that all views are respected! Thanks all for your comments.
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