Patek Philippe

• cal. 240Q automatic nickel lever movement stamped with the seal of Geneva, 27 jewels, 22k yellow gold micro-rotor • silvered dial, applied baton indexes, three sunk subsidiary dials indicating day combined with 24-hour indicator, date combined with fan-form aperture for moon-phases, month combined with leap year indicator • concave bezel, snap-on case back • case, dial and movement signed • 18k yellow gold Patek Philippe buckle

Reginald H. Fullerton, Jr.

A very interesting early example. The movement is running while cataloguing, and calendar functions are advancing properly, however it may require service soon. The dial is clean with no visible imperfections. The case shows some some surface scuffs from light to light/moderate wear and a small ding just below the crown on the band. Overall good condition. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information.
"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 Certificate of Origin, setting pin, presentation box, outer packaging, and folder including product information.

The presently offered example belongs to the first group of Ref. 3940s ever made. When the Ref. 3940 replaced Ref. 3450, it was the slimmest perpetual calendar produced at the time. In 1984, Ref. 3940 was made in an initial pre-series of 100 pieces. The first 25 were especially numbered and personalized for Chronometre Beyer in Zurich. The Beyer series had gilt dials and were followed by opaline silvered dials, such as the present example. In 1985, the reference went into a standard production, evolving into a further three series and saw a production run of 7,000 pieces, which ended in 2007.

The chief dial design differences between the early example and the later models included sunken subsidiary dials rather than bevelled ones and a plain leap year dial rather than a quartered one. Furthermore, the earlier model featured a smaller maker's signature, and the printing of Swiss just below the pearled chapter ring, which would be updated in later series with the printing of Swiss within the pearled ring.

Mr. Fullerton added this early Ref. 3940 to his collection in 1987, not long after the launch of this model.