Patek Philippe

Hi all — I drove a few hours to see the 3940R on the right and, just for comparison, asked them to bring out the 5140P-001 on the left. There’s obviously a price difference (the 5140 is much more), but the general consensus here and elsewhere is that collectors prefer the 3940 as a rule over the 5140 — better fonts, case size appropriate for the movement, etc. Here’s the surprising thing: I much prefer the 5140: I like the concave (vs convex) bezel and the greater feeling of substantiality (although of course the platinum has something to do with that). Anyone else here have a similar experience when comparing these two references?

There is no way for me not to be bothered bei these very awkward numerals. Thanks for the nice pic!

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Here are a few more photos of these two candidates on my very thin wrist:















I'm starting to warm a bit to the 3940R. When I first saw it under the glare of an overhead light, and it looked a bit washed out, probably because the rose gold alloy has been fading since 1993, the date of manufacture. But in natural light it's a bit more charismatic. And as Nicolas says, it does grow on you...

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One more modern and sportier and the other slightly more classical and elegant.... depends on your lifestyle needs. I personally I see the arguments for the R but would wear the P more...

CF, Thank you for your post comparing the 5140 with the 3940. Why do you refer to the bezel of the 3940 as being convex? I have seen neither the 3940 nor the 5140 up close and personal but have always thought that both are concave. Or is the 5140 more concave than the 3940? I am seriously considering a 3940 and quite frankly like it more than the 5140 for two main reasons: (1) the size of the 3940 fits my wrist better; and (2) I do not like the squished date numerals of the 5140.

I would greatly appreciate thoughts from others in the forum.

My first reflex was mentioning that the 3940 is pretty small for a stronger wrist. But you photo clearly shows (for my eyes) that the 3940 fits perfectly on your wrist and even better than the 5140.

For me, it is the 5140 fonts that bothered me. So I settled with this and never looked back.

All my opinion only:

I tried both ( not platinum though) I tried rose gold vs rose gold of each. Neither is a bad choice. But I bought the 3940R. For me the font size is more balanced, more proportional. I wear mine all the time and love it.

The 5140 has some squished numerals that bother some people. The font size does make the lettering crowd into each other where the 3940 has more space to breath. Some people joke that when you are older the 5140 will be easier to read. So it’s got that going for it.

Does the blue platinum have solid caseback? I enjoy looking at the movement. Most platinum molders cover it.

I'm with 'the collectors' on this one. The 3940 is a slice of perfection.

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44mm. Very nice. I owned one for a few years.

I must say that I really enjoy the 5140 for the slightly larger size and dial - as much as I would like to pull of a 36mm 3940 there is a little more presence that I feel with the 5140 at 37.2mm. The font feels more avant- garde - and as shared earlier I couldn’t care less about the “squished” numerals as it is not something I notice for such an incredible timepiece.

Good luck with your decision!

Peter

Squish minerals is not a problem. Many manufacturers do that.
I like a little more wrist presence and mass. The 5140P with the solid back placed on ( exhibition back taken off ) is a perfect for my 17cm wrist.

But I considered the 5140 before I purchased mine, and I have never once questioned that decision.

For about 6 months. I wore it every day. Very nice watch. Somewhere along the line....I saw a 3940 and had to have it. Sold the 5140 , bought the 3940 and never looked back. I love the 3940 and feel that it’s a perfect watch. It’s probably a little small on my wrist, but I just love that watch!

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the layout of the dial, font size & everything is so subtle & elegant.

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Try a p or g.

is the only one. The 5140 font is too loud and irregularly sized. Sometimes newer in not an improvement as is the case here.

But I have to agree with the consensus - it's hard to improve on a 3940. A dial that is perfectly balanced and elegant. By comparison the 5140 seems a bit forced and claustrophobic. If the added heft appeals to you, perhaps try a platinum 3940 before making a final decision.

3940 is something incomparable. Pure art ❤

…I would go for the 3940 as a choice you simply cannot go wrong with. I would then take the money saved v a 5140p and put it towards a 5146p. The latter is of course “only” an AC but is similar in look to the 5140p minus any of the dial balance issues. It is, in my humble opinion, an overlooked classic, it has been discontinued but the secondary market prices are not at all silly.

So, two great watches for the price (almost) of one…

It’s a great watch. Perfect daily wearer in combination with the 3940J

… a 5035 ( the original annual calendar) would also be great with a 3940. Two most important watches in the history of Patek. They will age very well and get more and more desirable and valuable.