Edward91
7
3940J - sub-dial variation
Hello everyone,
I’m considering buying a 3940J from 2005. The watch appears to be in good condition and is being offered by a reputable seller.
One detail I’d like your opinion on is the sub-dial coloring, which looks grey to me. I know it’s normal for the night half to appear in a darker shade, but in most examples I’ve seen, it tends to lean more toward gold or a yellowish tone rather than grey.
I’d really appreciate your thoughts on whether this variation is typical or something to be cautious about. Is it an expected spectrum of dial variation?
Thanks in advance for your help.

Collection
rolandc · Feb 25, 2019
Considering a Patek Philippe 3940J? Rolandc shares his buying experience, condition assessment, and Patek service costs for this perpetual calendar.
52 replies13857 views

Discussion
blau · Feb 15, 2021
Patek Philippe Ref. 5110 vs. 3940: A collector's dilemma. Explore insights on these iconic World Time and Perpetual Calendar references.
48 replies11744 views

Vintage
CL · Apr 4, 2019
Explore the Patek Philippe 3940J First Series in yellow gold, a rare perpetual calendar with a unique dial and 'jumping' year complication. Discover collector insights.
29 replies5793 views
By: PaddyP : August 17th, 2025-09:44
The asking for the 3940 has really shot up but whether a lot of these are actually moving is another thing. Many are over polished watch only pieces not collectors set by any stretch. The desirable ones are first series or second series unpolished conditi...
By: Edward91 : August 17th, 2025-12:05
Thanks for all the great feedback. I added a few pictures below, it would be great to get your view, highly appreciated I’ll dig deeper on the dial, if a potential service one. Thanks ...
Yes…
By: m2 : August 17th, 2025-22:17
Ive been trying to find a moderately worn 3940 3 series for a while in gold and haven’t even seen a good one pop up. One was in NY with some major issues with the dial, and another is in Europe but has a swapped dial…