Wife said I can buy Patek perpetual calendar Bday- questions about 3940 clear backs

[Classique Breguet]

I'm quite new to Patek and don't pretend to know anything.

I've seen a few of the Patek 3940 with a clear sapphire back- is this factory or an aftermarket addition, and if so, where does one source one of these and what do they cost (in yellow gold.)

Thank you in advance for all your help.

[MrBenF]

The 3940 was introduced in 1985. From the 2nd series onwards (~1987) they came with sapphire and solid case backs. Each sapphire back has the matching case number engraved on it.


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[Classique Breguet]

Wonderful, thank you for the fast response.

I printed out the watch life size and tried it on, even on my small wrist, to me it appears too small.

I'm now looking at the 5140j as it is 2mm larger.

[WatchBrothersLondon]

Try one on in person you may be surprised. I find it does wear small however that’s part of the charm of it


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[sambb]

patek looks very small to me too... couldnt get over it

[d11n]

The 3940 is a great choice...but no doubt lots of options...I'd recommend you try to see them in person if you can...


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[Halothane]

3940 is a beautiful, classic Patek piece !


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[offrdmania]

The wife is a keeper hehe

[goog53]

Go for the platinum version

[Halothane]

Originally Posted by goog53

Go for the platinum version

X2. Platinum 3940 for the win.


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[Classique Breguet]

I'm partial to the yellow gold.

Might anyone know of one I can see/try on in the San Francisco Bay area?

[d11n]

Originally Posted by Classique Breguet

I'm partial to the yellow gold.

Might anyone know of one I can see/try on in the San Francisco Bay area?

Tourneau has a 3940P ...call nearest location to you and they will order it in to the store...a good way to get size and feel...

[incontrol]

Personally, the platinum version is pure class. Great watch!


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[Classique Breguet]

After looking at both, the look of the 3940 is more my preference. Fortunately I have a small wrist.

Now I just need to try one on, then make a quick dash to the bank. ;0)

I don't see any available on the west coast....I live in the SF Bay Area.

[Classique Breguet]

The sf Tourneau store is closed for renovations...

[tinygears]

Originally Posted by Classique Breguet

I'm quite new to Patek and don't pretend to know anything.

I've seen a few of the Patek 3940 with a clear sapphire back- is this factory or an aftermarket addition, and if so, where does one source one of these and what do they cost (in yellow gold.)

Thank you in advance for all your help.

My favorite dress watch is my 5039, the hobnail variant of the 3940.

It’s perfect for residing beneath the cuff of a dress shirt, with room to spare. Simple, elegant, generally stealth.

Whichever model you select, I believe you’ll be extremely pleased. Be aware, that when sent in for regular service, you should expect to be without it for several months.

[Classique Breguet]

I called the Tourneau Rolex SF location. The actual Tourneau store is closed for a few more weeks per the salesperson who answered the phone.

AmAZingLY bad salesperson- told me I would have to pay for the watch in full before they would consider bringing it in to the store. I asked if they had ever dealt with a returning customer before, then he said it is our policy- which is completely false. At any rate, Tourneau seems to be out at least until the real store reopens and some non-idiot sales people start answering the phones.

[Bearxj86]

Try European Watch Company. They have a fair share of 3940s.

[Classique Breguet]

Thank you for that suggestion.

I looked on their site. They do not have one with the subdials in English, with a clear back, in yellow gold, for less than $45K. The $32K models either have a solid back, or non-english subdials.

I don't want to abuse their generosity by allowing me to have the watch shipped, just so I could try it on, knowing that I would only buy one that was yellow gold, with English subdials, that also has a clear back, for around the $32-35K price point, or a bit higher with proof of recent service.

I'm not as hesitant to ask Tourneau to ship it to their store since it would never leave their possession, and if my wife really prefers the platinum, a sale could happen.
I'll wait the few weeks for when that store re-opens and see if they are able to bring that watch in on reasonable terms.

[Bearxj86]

Not all their inventory is on their site. Try calling. I've seen up to 3-4 3940s on their site before.

Originally Posted by Classique Breguet

Thank you for that suggestion.

I looked on their site. They do not have one with the subdials in English, with a clear back, in yellow gold, for less than $45K. The $32K models either have a solid back, or non-english subdials.

I don't want to abuse their generosity by allowing me to have the watch shipped, just so I could try it on, knowing that I would only buy one that was yellow gold, with English subdials, that also has a clear back, for around the $32-35K price point, or a bit higher with proof of recent service.

I'm not as hesitant to ask Tourneau to ship it to their store since it would never leave their possession, and if my wife really prefers the platinum, a sale could happen.
I'll wait the few weeks for when that store re-opens and see if they are able to bring that watch in on reasonable terms.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by Classique Breguet

Thank you for that suggestion.

I looked on their site. They do not have one with the subdials in English, with a clear back, in yellow gold, for less than $45K. The $32K models either have a solid back, or non-english subdials.

I don't want to abuse their generosity by allowing me to have the watch shipped, just so I could try it on, knowing that I would only buy one that was yellow gold, with English subdials, that also has a clear back, for around the $32-35K price point, or a bit higher with proof of recent service.

I'm not as hesitant to ask Tourneau to ship it to their store since it would never leave their possession, and if my wife really prefers the platinum, a sale could happen.
I'll wait the few weeks for when that store re-opens and see if they are able to bring that watch in on reasonable terms.

I doubt anybody will just ship the watch to you so you can try it on. You pay in full and EWC has a ten day return policy. I think that is pretty standard unless you are a very important long term client. Trying on in a store is another matter and that is usually done if the watch is available elsewhere in the company network and not on hold pending a sale.

[Classique Breguet]

It has been standard for me in the past for tourneau to bring watches "into their store" at no cost to try on with no obligation.

I've bought more than a few high end watches.

The point I made about ewc is that I would not abuse them by asking such a thing, I said that is something I would not do, seems as if you read that as something I thought they should do, which is not the case.

[mps354]

The platinum 3940 is superb, but i went white gold as do I not believe the p version came with a second (transparent) caseback. Oh, and it was a bit cheaper

[goog53]

This is such a classic reference and I would opt for the Platinum. The extra bit of heft is great for the 36mm case but they have two platinum versions... one with a silver moonphase which doesnt do much for me and the other which is gold and gives a very nice contrast.

[incontrol]

Originally Posted by goog53

This is such a classic reference and I would opt for the Platinum. The extra bit of heft is great for the 36mm case but they have two platinum versions... one with a silver moonphase which doesnt do much for me and the other which is gold and gives a very nice contrast.

I agree. That version is stunning!


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[Classique Breguet]

For me personally, I prefer the romantic look of yellow gold for this design

[Bearxj86]

Originally Posted by Classique Breguet

For me personally, I prefer the romantic look of yellow gold for this design

Especially at 36mm I think colored gold has more wrist presence

[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

Especially at 36mm I think colored gold has more wrist presence

This, along with the “warmth” that the YG offers are why I went with the 3940J.
Ultimately the 3940 is beautiful in all metals. I waited till I could try them all on before making my decision, and then started my “hunt” for the right example.
I went with the “classic” yellow gold dress patek. Don’t regret it at all.

[nyc2la]

Platinum
Gold moon phase

[sensui]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

Platinum
Gold moon phase

Damn....that is HOT.