PATEK PHILIPPE

• cal. 240Q nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, free-sprung Gyromax balance, 27 jewels, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, 22k gold micro-rotor • silvered dial, applied gold bullet indexes, gold dauphine hands, outer minutes track, three subsidiary dials, the first and third engine-turned, indicating day combined with 24-hour indicator, date combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases, and month combined with leap year indicator • 18k gold circular case, stepped concave bezel, engraving to the snap back • integrated 18k gold woven mesh bracelet • case, dial, movement and bracelet signed  

The watch is further accompanied by three spare links as well as a facsimile of the original sales receipt from Borsheim's in Omaha. The movement is running, however it may require service soon. The case was polished expertly by Patek Philippe during service, and the engraving to the case back reads 'Lance Shields.' The dial is very clean with no visible imperfections.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Accompanied by a Certificate of Origin as well as an Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1990 and sale on February 20th of the following year. Together with additional links, facsimile of service paperwork from Henri Stern dated January 2005, Patek Philippe booklet within a leather folder, and fitted wooden presentation box.  

Ref. 3945 was produced from 1985 until approximately 1998, and is the cousin to Ref. 3940. The main difference between the two is that the present model bears an integrated bracelet, whereas the other has lugs and was sold on a strap. For another variation on Ref. 3940, Ref. 3941, see lot 195.

Like Ref. 3940, it was produced in two series, which are distinguished by the leap year indicator. The present example belongs to the second series of production, as indicated by its crossed leap year indicator. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the present example has been offered at auction.