Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar

What you’re looking at is arguably one of the most beautiful perpetual calendar watches ever made, full stop. And perhaps one of the most important, too. 

The reference 3940 was born in 1985, at a time when the watch world was in the midst of the Quartz Crisis and most brands were churning out inexpensive, battery-powered watches — and struggling to stay afloat. Alas, Patek Philippe was never one to follow the crowd, and released both the ref. 3940 perpetual calendar and the ref. 3970 perpetual calendar chronograph with in-house, micro-rotor-equipped automatic movements — a gauntlet drop if ever there was one. 

Made in several series and different metals, the watch we have here is a 3940J, a second-series example dating to the late 1980s. Housed in a 36mm yellow gold case, it features a sapphire crystal, a signed crown, a polished bezel, and one hell of a dial: Silver with rose gold dauphine hands and applied indices, it has a combination month/leap year indicator at 3 o’clock; a moon phase/date wheel at 6 o’clock; and a day/24-hour indicator at 9 o’clock. Simple, elegant and refined, it’s a design that was positively revolutionary in the 1980s, and still looks stunning today. (Plus, this one is a coveted “Sigma” variant, with the small Greek letter at the bottom designating the presence of gold componentry.)

This 3940J is powered by the in-house Patek Philippe Calibre 240Q movement with micro rotor, and comes equipped with a signed, black alligator leather strap with a yellow gold buckle.

Not convinced? Don’t take our word for it — take noted Patek expert John Reardon’s: “For the price, there is arguably no other watch that encapsulates all that defines Patek Philippe.”

Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world with an uninterrupted watchmaking history. Few international luxury brands carry the gravitas of their name, and for good reason. The firm's commitment to excellence in horological manufacture is unflinching, and their track record of innovation in design without peer. They continue to lead the industry, and even their fiercest competitors have nothing but the utmost respect for the company.

From the simple elegance of their Calatrava line to the stunning study in miniaturization that is reference 1518 perpetual calendar to the modern reference 5750P chiming watch, Patek’s catalog is chock full of some of the most elegant and complicated timepieces ever made. Family-owned and completely independent, the firm has the freedom to do what it wants — such as discontinue one of the world’s most beloved steel luxury sport watches, the reference 5711 — when it wants.

Owning a Patek Philippe is for many the ultimate goal of timepiece collecting, and for a certain type, the only timepieces they collect. Whichever way you look at it, there is no questioning the elegance of design, superlative manufacture of their cases and movements, or the sheer elegance and emotion that comes from owning one.

Of course for a brand that is steeped in heritage, we are told “You never actually own a Patek Philippe…”

Well, you know the rest.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.