A True Blue Rare. Patek Philippe 3940P-027 Vintage Series

One of the most controversial topics in the watch collecting world is the merits of vintage and modern high quality watches replica. Hardcore vintage watch collectors will praise the attractive designs, smaller cases, and times when manufacturing and finishing relied more on highly skilled handwork. Modern watch enthusiasts, on the other hand, often cite the greater durability, more precise manufacturing tolerances, and better finishing of modern watches, even if it’s all aided by computer manufacturing technology.

Given all of this, it’s not uncommon for brands to try to offer collectors the best of both worlds. In recent years, many brands have introduced “revival” models that are essentially recreations of vintage watches using modern manufacturing techniques and materials. This combination gives collectors the chance to own a watch with a vintage look but with all the modern reliability they’d expect. When Patek Philippe jumped on the revival bandwagon with their 20th century favorites, they stayed true to the size, design, and even the movements inside. With some minor tweaks and a unique colorway, Patek Philippe offers a select group of collectors the opportunity to add a true time capsule replica watches swiss to their collection with the 3940P-027 “Vintage Series”.

Since Patek Philippe created its first mass-produced perpetual calendar wristwatch, the reference 1526, in 1941, the brand’s modern history has been closely tied to the perpetual calendar. In 1951, Patek Philippe introduced the reference 2497, the first mass-produced perpetual calendar wristwatch with a central seconds hand. The reference 3448, introduced in 1962, was the first self-winding perpetual calendar wristwatch. In 1981, the reference 3450 replaced the 3448 and added a leap year cycle indicator. Clearly, Patek Philippe has always been a leader in the field of perpetual calendars.

The Caliber 240, the movement that forms the basis for the 240Q in the 3940 reviewed here, debuted in 1977. It is an ultra-thin micro-rotor movement, in fact the thinnest automatic movement in the world at the time. Interestingly, Patek Philippe brought the Caliber 240 to market right after the Quartz Crisis, seemingly doubling down on their commitment to fine mechanical watchmaking. In fact, the Caliber 240 later became the platform for countless other complications.

The 3940 model was introduced in 1985 and remained in series production until 2007, when it was officially discontinued. These 22 years of extraordinary production made the 3940 the longest-running watch in Patek Philippe’s history. It was the highest compliment that company president Philippe Stern chose this watch for his daily wear. Again, putting such a huge amount of pressure on a complex mechanical timepiece after the Quartz Crisis was a bold move by Patek Philippe. The long production run and Philippe Stern’s personal approval seem to indicate that Patek Philippe believes that high-end complicated watchmaking will never go away. replica luxury Watches

Although the model was discontinued in 2007, Patek Philippe wanted to give its most premium customers something special in 2018, the brand’s 175th anniversary. They offered these V-VIPs the opportunity to order a special configuration of the watch, including a platinum case with a blue dial. The 3940 is clearly an important reference for the brand, and the model remains highly coveted by collectors. Offering this reference again in a unique form to preferred customers more than a decade after it was officially discontinued is a huge “thank you” to its most loyal customers. Only two examples of the 3940P-027 are available on the open market, making them more valuable and collectible than the standard 3940.

There are several unique features of this 3940 worth mentioning. First is the deep blue dial, a color that was never offered when the 3940 was originally produced. Next, is the updated dial font and leaf-shaped hands that appear to be taken from the later reference 5140.

In addition, this watch features a subdial at 9 o'clock for day/night and day of the week, a subdial at 6 o'clock for date and moon phase, and a subdial at 3 o'clock for month and leap year. The 36mm platinum case is a new-old stock piece left over from the production run of the original 3940 (which makes this watch more than just "vintage-style"). Unlike most of Patek Philippe's current models, this one stays true to the original platinum 3940, featuring only a solid platinum caseback. So, you can't see the movement on display. While modern platinum Patek Philippe models have small diamonds between the lugs at 6 o'clock, the 3940P-027 forgoes this, maintaining a more traditional "vintage" aesthetic.

Behind the solid platinum caseback is the aforementioned Caliber 240 Q. The automatic micro-rotor movement has 27 jewels, beats at 21,600 bph and has a power reserve of 48 hours. In addition, it features a perpetual calendar that displays the date, month, day/night indicator, small seconds, moon phases and leap year indication via a 24-hour dial. high quality replica watches

What makes this watch unique is the use of both new and old stock movements. Patek Philippe switched from the traditional Geneva Seal to its proprietary Patek Philippe Seal in 2009, which indicates a higher level of finishing on the movement. Although this watch was assembled in 2018, Patek Philippe decided to continue using older movements with the Geneva Seal. Although the origins of this movement date back to the release of the 3940 in 1985, Patek Philippe still produces the 240 Q movement today (albeit now with the Patek Philippe Seal).

The Patek Philippe 3940P-027 is a watch that truly embodies the brand's heritage. These special watches are only offered to longtime customers of the brand, and Thierry Stern (Philippe’s son and current Patek Philippe president) has made it clear that Patek Philippe is a brand that specializes in precious metals and complicated watches. While the combination of a blue dial and platinum case is special for the 3940, the 36mm wide case and white metal remain conservative and unobtrusive in appearance. The only people who would notice this watch are other well-informed watch enthusiasts. Any 3940 would easily be a highlight in any collection, but the 3940P-027 is for collectors who are looking for something truly unique, even when compared to other rare and highly sought-after Patek Philippe luxury replica Watches.

When considering alternatives to the 3940P-027, fortunately, there are many haute horlogerie perpetual calendars to choose from. To highlight some of the available alternatives, below are two of the more viable options, as well as two that rival the uniqueness of the 3940P-027.

This may be obvious, but if you can get past the blue dial and extremely rare status of the 3940P-027, you can always find an excellent regular production Patek Philippe 3940P. Same case, same solid caseback, same platinum folding clasp, and same movement. Regular production 3940Ps are often available for less than half the current price of the 3940P-027.

Patek Philippe has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest watchmakers in the world. With its combination of quality, exclusivity, and history, it makes sense that even mass-produced models retain their value and are highly coveted by collectors. When long-time customers have the opportunity to purchase a unique combination like the 3940P-027, it’s only natural that they jump at the chance.

For Patek Philippe collectors, they have to have the best watches to add to their collection, and the Patek Philippe 3940P-027 is undoubtedly one of the finest perpetual calendar watches ever made. The 3940 represents a large part of Patek Philippe’s modern history, and the 3940P-027 is truly a love letter to the discount replica watches that helped Patek Philippe transition from the 20th to the 21st century, and to the customers who helped make that happen!