Video: Eric Wind & John P Discuss the Patek Philippe References 3940 and 3941

On January 12, 2022, Eric Wind appeared on John P Watches to highlight Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar wristwatches, specifically the reference 3940 and 3941. The models featured are a first series reference 3940J, a reference 3941J with a second series dial, a 3940G. Within the video, the two provide a brief overview of the evolution of these models over the years.

Patek Philippe reference 3940J circa 1986.

"The reference 3940 is one of the watches I am most often asked by collectors to find. The reference was introduced in 1985 and it was one of the signature releases that came out in the Phillipe Stern era. I would have to say it is my favorite Patek Philippe over the past 40 years. One thing to note is that most of the first series models will have German text, although this example features English."

Patek Philippe reference 3941J circa 1987 with a 2nd series dial.

"This reference 3941J is from only one year later in 1987 [than the previous reference 3940J]. If you look at the way the dial sits, it is more faceted down more like a stadium instead of cylindrical styled subdials in the previous model. The second series dials are a bit more formal looking with more ornate fonts and a smaller ‘Geneve’.

The 3941 features a sapphire caseback, and is significantly lighter on the wrist. These exhibition casebacks were added to the reference 3940s in around 1992. They would begin to send each metal - yellow, white and rose gold - with both sapphire exhibition casebacks and solid casebacks.”

Patek Philippe reference 3940G.

"As you approach the end of production in this reference 3940G from 2004, you notice everything becomes bolder. Obviously this model is in white gold, but there are subtle nuances to note. These feature larger and thicker text. Also, the early models will feature pin buckles, which were later followed by deployant buckles.”

The two discuss how the market has changed over the series lifetime. “When introduced, the Patek Philippe perpetual calendars were retailed at around $80,000. By the early 2010s, most were trading in the ballpark of $40,000. Over the last 18 months, they have began to creep back up.”

You can follow John Pietrasz on his YouTube channel John P Watches and on Instagram: @TheRealJohnP. You can find the full video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx6CeqTp_aw&t=35s&ab_channel=JohnPWatches