Description

Despite the iconic reference 3940 having been discontinued in 2007, the watch showcased here is a very rare re-edition with a special salmon dial : the Patek Philippe 3940G-029, introduced during the brand’s 2015 Watch Art Grand Exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London. Only a handful pieces are believed to have been made, cementing the status of this watch as a highly-collectible item. During that exhibition celebrating Patek Philippe’s 175th anniversary, other ultra-limited timepieces were released with new-old-stock movements and cases, some of which we previously posted.

Inside the 36 mm, 18k white gold, Calatrava-shaped case is the ultra-thin self-winding Calibre 240 Q with its signature off-centered 22k gold micro-rotor. Visible through the sapphire case-back, it interestingly bears the Geneva Seal, which is an intruiguing anachronism since Patek stopped using that hallmark after 2009. The reason is because this 3940G-029 Saatchi re-edition carries a new-old-stock movement, which explains the absence of the Patek Philippe Seal and adds to it rarity.

The very desirable salmon dial beautifully pops out against the white gold indices and hands, exuding elegance with the surrounding white gold case. Adding to this watch’s uniqueness is the dial layout and fonts closely resembling the design elements of the successor reference 5140, as well as the choice of leaf hands for the hours and minutes instead of the classic dauphine hands used in regular production 3940s.

A classic perpetual calendar reference, released in a unique combination of salmon dial with distinctive design elements, topped off with an interesting chronological anomaly, this 3940G-029 Saatchi has all the elements of an astute collector’s watch.

Patek Philippe – Bio

Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.