mdg
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Nice example...
...I can handle anything but flipped Romans. I made my living making sure things looked 'right.' Maybe the thing that bothers me is...why?
We don't use Roman numerals for actual math or in daily life. In a way, Roman numerals are just symbols of the past that we recognize. Clock makers understood this. They arranged the numerals radially. Why did watchmakers decide that flipping the numerals was a good idea just because the format was smaller?
I kind of understand flipping Arabic numerals (although I don't prefer it). In a date sub-dial, for instance, someone might confuse a 6 for a 9 or a 12 for a 21, etc.
I also believe that manufacturers, even the largest and most prestigious manufacturers treat graphic design and typography on watches as an afterthought. Some of what I see would earn failing grades for a first-year design student.
All of this said, I also know that I am in a small minority. One of the things that made me good at my job was attention to minute detail...a kind of visual OCD if you will. Very few people have this trait (it's a curse most of the time). I still yell at the TV when I see words in ads that aren't kerned properly : )
I will end with an example of a brand who tends to do things right more often than not...
Overview of Patek ref. 3940 & 5140
Being exhaustive with the 3940, introduced in 1985, is almost impossible because of the 3 different series (1985, 1987, 1995): for a comprehensive approach, check, for example, Collecting the 3940 on Twain Time. The 5140 was introduced in 2006 as a modern...
Tough to choose here, quattro.
Perhaps one of the salmon dials, or the diamonds. All beauties!
For me, it would be a J here:
3940J with doré dial, or 5140J (no Roman numerals)! Thanks for looking.
Yes, I forgot the 5136 variants. Here they are!
For me though, the bracelet gets in the way of the very sober design: just my feeling and personal taste, of course. And I'm only judging from photos: I would maybe feel differently in real life. Thanks for looking. 5136/1G-001 5136/1J-001 ...
Nice write up
I’ve been trying to find a third series yellow gold 3940 for a bit and haven’t seen any pop up for sale. A lot of 2nd series though. Kind of interesting. Hope to find one soon
True! I think I would personally go for the J, though.
Judging only from photos, so not very meaningful… Thanks for looking.
I love all of these variations...
...and would purchase the Roman numeral version if the IV and VIII were flipped 180-degrees. I can't look at them the way they are.
I see what you mean.
Not a problem for me, though: I like them as they are. And I guess that the porcelain dial must look really good in real life.
Well done on showing us the numerous variations ! 👍
What are the major differences between the two references ?
The 5140 is 37.2mm vs 36mm
it has slightly thicker and more curved lugs and slightly more robust hands, which is supposed to improve legibility.
Thanks for the effort...
compiling these. I like the 5140P-017, grey dial, small white hands... but the 3940G (ACM) is just perfect with non shrunken 5/27.
I get your point and your preference,
but I think I would personally go for a J (3940 with doré dial or 5140). Thanks for looking.
I’ve been lusting over this reference for so long.
But can’t pick a favorite so I can’t actually purchase one. In my mind it’s the best PP of the last 50 years. I know there are others that are more popular or iconic. But for me this is timeless and the most elegant design. And honestly, what’s better tha...
Thank you so much.
I would also have a very hard time choosing, but I think a J would make me very happy (3940 doré dial or 5140).
Here's a cool one - X dial and a 1st series in white gold.
My all time favourite remains a classic J 1st series though ! Best, M 3940G X dial with Italian calendar 3940G 1st series all time favourite - 3940J 1st series ...
Thank you for these great variants!
I join you in the choice of a J ! I would maybe just opt for the doré dial which looks stunning to me. Best, Emmanuel
I knew I would do something wrong 😬😅
But I’m very happy to make up for my mistake. Here’s the 5550! Best. 5550P ...
Thank you so much, Yacomino.
I just take the time to choose the best ones available online…
Thank you for for this epic 3940 post!
Just coming across it now. Amazing. On a related note - I always wondered if Patek made a 3940 or 5140 in steel as a one off for a VIP. I guess we may never know!
I find the smaller sharp block font
on the 3940s much easier to read than the softer font on the 5140s. And the 3940 has a concave bezel so it does not scratch from shirt cuffs as does the convex bezel of the 5140.
Two such pieces for the price of another
that is very similar or close to one of the two: it definitely sounds like a good decision. Except if you keep missing the 3940P of course. Best, Emmanuel
3940J with a black dial
This is a limited production piece. An AD in the UK had one in 2018 ...
Thanks for pointing this variation!
It's 3940J-028: https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6394596 There's also a Micheal Ovitz bespoke piece with Breguet numerals: https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/patek-philippe-ref-3940j-a-unique-18k-6378284/?intObjectID=6378284&lid=3
The 3940 (any iteration) is as close to perfect as a watch can get...
...btw, I'd buy one with the Romans and the hobnailed bezel if they hadn't 'flipped' the Roman numerals : )
It makes no sense to flip them....
...aesthetically it would look better in the traditional manner. Watches are small clocks. I have yet to see an old clock with Roman numerals that are flipped...
I've been trying to understand your point of view and,
though I fully respect it, I really don't feel the same way: for me, each different layout has its own charm. Just my feeling of course. Best, Emmanuel A/ VERTICAL 1/ Vertical Roman 2/ Vertical Arabic B/ FLIPPED RADIAL 1/ Flipped Roman 2/ Flipped Arabic C...
Nice example...
...I can handle anything but flipped Romans. I made my living making sure things looked 'right.' Maybe the thing that bothers me is...why? We don't use Roman numerals for actual math or in daily life. In a way, Roman numerals are just symbols of the past ...
I hear and understand your arguments.
I also value attention to detail a lot. But flipping Roman numerals doesn't always seem to me to be the result of negligence. As in the following comparison, where I personally think that both dials make sense. Best, Emmanuel VC Reference 4317 (1945) VC R...
For the record, flipping at 6 ONLY is tolerable...
...not ideal, but on the right watch I can live with it : )
Many thanks for this exhaustive review of the 3940 and 5140 iterations
As for me I made my choice and certainly don’t regret it one second, 3940 anyhow way ahead of the 5140 😉 The only other versions which make me horny are the yellow gold doré dial (the personal watch of Mr Philippe Stern) or the doré dial Beyer LE. But hon...
Your 1st gen example is definitely stunning, Mike!
So much to love. The sharp sunken sub-registers with short gold hands and longer blued (?) hands: wonderful. Have a nice day! Best, Emmanuel
Tbh my only regret is…
…that I should have acquired it much before. It is a wonderful daily wearer, a simple but iconic and historical beauty, but flies under the radar which is important nowadays. Fyi since I know you like to go deep in details, mine is from 1986 and has a dia...
Thanks for this very precise information I wasn't aware of.
I find it hard to tell short E from long E. I think I haven't really spotted it yet. Anyway, your example is truly beautiful. 🌼
The lumed leaf hands on both Ovitz examples bother me, personally:
I don't think that such a sporty touch fits the identity of the watch. And I personally prefer colored gold for such a delicate reference: but it's just my taste of course. Best, Emmanuel