Patek Philippe, Reference 3940 and Reference 3941
This reference is launched in1985 and remained in production until circa 2007.
At the time of its creation, this watch replaced the Reference 3450. The new
reference is equipped with a new calibre with an oscillating weight – the micro-rotor
– incorporated into the height of the movement; the result is a watch that is flatter
than its predecessor.
The watch is fitted first with the Cal. 240 Q aut., with 22K yellow gold micro-rotor,
then, circa 1998, with an improved version, the Cal. 240-114 (Q).
When Patek Philippe first launched this new series of watches, Ref. 3940 was the
model bearing a metallic snap-on case-back, while Ref. 3941 was equipped with
a screwed sapphire-crystal case-back. Very soon, the reference number of this
model was standardised to Ref. 3940, sold either with one or two screwed backs;
one of these backs could be a screwed metallic case-back, while the second,
(non-compulsory), a screwed sapphire crystal case-back. In consequence, very few
examples bear the Ref. 3941.
The total production is about 7000 examples over almost 22 years.
Bibliography
• Huber, Martin, & Banbery, Alan, Patek Philippe Wristwatches, 1998, p. 292-293, ill.
451 a-d and p. 294, ill. 452 (colour photos and technical drawings).
