AP VS AP: Perpetuals

[WatchEater666]

I have been looking for a third series 3940 from patek, but haven’t seen much out there, and then remembered both AP and VC have made beautiful perpetual calendars in the past.

Either the 43032 or 25668.

Any thoughts from those that have handled both? Leaning towards the VC as it would be easier for me to have it serviced (no AP in Canada).

[enjoythemusic]

i stay with the 3940. worth finding the right example just after PP servicing. jmho

[Steele]

AP QP 39mm there is a few bang for the buck older ultra thin versions

I have 2 so I’m biased YG and one Platinum

[Steele]

As for the Vacherons they are for sure thinner and the newer ones I love the bracelets adjustability and quick swap are amazing

[WatchEater666]

Sorry guys I should have specified more! I meant the specific references in my OP. They are both dress watches!

[agsstructures]

They are both nice, ive handled the AP Quantieme before and its a lot of watch for the money. Neither are close to the 3940 but the massive price difference makes them an attractive alternative.

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by agsstructures

They are both nice, ive handled the AP Quantieme before and its a lot of watch for the money. Neither are close to the 3940 but the massive price difference makes them an attractive alternative.

The openworked ones are more than the 3940. 3940 3rd gen is ~40k-ish in Moda.

The openworked AP/VC are ~$55k - $60.

[agsstructures]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

The openworked ones are more than the 3940. 3940 3rd gen is ~40k-ish in Moda.

The openworked AP/VC are ~$55k - $60.

I wasn’t taking the openworked into consideration. 40k on MODA, assuming watch only? What do the cases look like?

[jw0n]

VC43031, VC43032, AP25668 -- I have handled all 3 watches before and the 43031 is my own; an early example with the dore dial. I think these are fantastic and arguably harder to come across than PP3940. The VC wears a little better than the AP, thanks in part to the longer lugs, and the lapis moonphase dial also looks better. For me, the case construction of both the AP and VC is nicer than the PP.

In the dawn of the quartz era, it is worth noting that AP was first (with the QP) in 1978, then VC in 1983 and PP in 1985. Both the AP and VC have JLC 920 in them, with the Depraz pc module.

Between VC43032 and AP25668, the AP is more aesthetically pleasing (viewed on its own) to me.

If I had to choose a PP3940, it would be the first series for me.

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by agsstructures

I wasn’t taking the openworked into consideration. 40k on MODA, assuming watch only? What do the cases look like?

Yeah watch only and the cases are generally OK, just depends on the specific example. There was a 3940R sold by a guy I've bought from before for only ~$42k or 43k. A great deal, case looked good too.

Originally Posted by jw0n

VC43031, VC43032, AP25668 -- I have handled all 3 watches before and the 43031 is my own; an early example with the dore dial. I think these are fantastic and arguably harder to come across than PP3940. The VC wears a little better than the AP, thanks in part to the longer lugs, and the lapis moonphase dial also looks better. For me, the case construction of both the AP and VC is nicer than the PP.

In the dawn of the quartz era, it is worth noting that AP was first (with the QP) in 1978, then VC in 1983 and PP in 1985. Both the AP and VC have JLC 920 in them, with the Depraz pc module.

Between VC43032 and AP25668, the AP is more aesthetically pleasing (viewed on its own) to me.

If I had to choose a PP3940, it would be the first series for me.

Very helpful, tyvm! First series 3940 is 6 figures, and at that point, there are other watches I'd rather have like a Logical1 or a Signature1.

If it was a third series 3940 VS the openworked models from AP/VC, what would you think?

Interesting RE: comfort and the lugs btw, thank you.

[MILGAUSS88]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

Sorry guys I should have specified more! I meant the specific references in my OP. They are both dress watches!

Just to clarify, you want a small thin QP?
Because AP has some very reasonable Jules Audemars models.
My favorite is the Tradition line.

[jw0n]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

Very helpful, tyvm! First series 3940 is 6 figures, and at that point, there are other watches I'd rather have like a Logical1 or a Signature1.

If it was a third series 3940 VS the openworked models from AP/VC, what would you think?

Interesting RE: comfort and the lugs btw, thank you.

Its hard to argue with the finishing of GF that's for sure. I suppose it all really depends on what you want to have in the box. In a perfect world, one man could have it all.

Between the third series PP3940 and the AP/VC, I would definitely go AP/VC -- more provenance, fewer in numbers, huge wow factor, more bang for buck.

[T.Stanley]

I own a 2nd series 25657BA and 2nd series 3940R. They are both great QP’s and you can’t go wrong with either one. If I had to keep only one, I’d choose the 3940r. The silvery opaline dial is stunning.

I find a way to try on both before deciding. Hope that helps.

[Carguy87]

Originally Posted by Steele

As for the Vacherons they are for sure thinner and the newer ones I love the bracelets adjustability and quick swap are amazing

That tourb though….*chef’s kiss*