• cal. 240 Q automatic lever movement, stamped with the seal of Geneva, 27 jewels, Gyromax balance, 22k gold micro-rotor • silvered dial, applied baton indexes, three subsidiary dials for day with two-tone 24-hour indication, moon-phases with date, month with leap year indication, outer pearled minute track • 18k yellow gold case, snap-on sapphire crystal back display • case, dial, and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe folding clasp 

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Case in overall very good condition with surface scuffing, scratches and wear consistent with regular use. Dial and movement in excellent condition. Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to shipping.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture in 1999 and sale on April 5th, 2001. Together with a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, two booklets, one sales tag, one additional yellow gold solid case back, one setting pin, retailer's sales receipts, and a presentation box with outer packaging.

Production of Ref. 3940 began in 1986 as the successor to Ref. 3448 and Ref. 3450. Production continued for over 20 years, with only some subtle changes made to the dial on later series. The design of the Ref. 3940 is such a classic that when it was replaced in 2007 with the Ref. 5140, the differences between the two models were nearly imperceptible.

An example of the Ref. 3940 is illustrated in Huber, M. & Banbery, A., Patek Philippe Wristwatches, Second Edition, pp. 292-293.