New 5396R vs Vintage 3940

[Sisyphus]

Been thinking about my next target... It needs to be a calendar, it needs to be Patek :), but the question is:

Brand new 5396 with my name on the certificate VS. vintage 3940

I just love how the 5396 looks, but it's just not a perpetual...

[steeevvvooo]

I had this for a while, 5396R with numerals. It was a great watch, but ultimately I traded it as it didn't fit my lifestyle so well.

That said... A PP perpetual of some sort is definitely a grail for the future for me.

Probably not much help, but wanted to chip in anyway :)

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[Sisyphus]

Beautiful watch nonetheless :)

[Billfav]

The 5396R I purchased new. It is a stunner and much larger than the 3940. I really love both equally for purely subjective reasons.

The 5396 as I noted was new and not a mark on it. It is (to me) such a beautiful timepiece in a modern size.

The 3940 I purchased about a year ago used. Had it immediately serviced at PP as part of the deal, then paid the balance on the watch once it was back from service.. To me it is a classic and having smaller wrists it fits me well. The proportions on the dial are perfect. In addition this was the watch on the wrist of Philippe Stern for years.

Sorry for the crappy pictures, neither one does either watch justice. Either one you are a winner.

[Sisyphus]

Magnificent watches (both of them).

For the time being can't afford to acquire both (one of them will do just fine :) ), but noted on the sizing (have small wrists myself 6.2") - the only downside of acquiring a vintage watch is giving up the experience of going to the AD. Had such a blast last time when I bought by 5196.

Cheers,

[ts3]

3940 without a doubt. Once a classic, always a classic.

Don't like the 24h ring plus date window on the 5396 (and 5205, 5726, etc) and would much prefer a date ring a la 3448/50 or 5320.

[jon_jon]

Patek ACs and PCs are both quite special. Patek patented the AC in the 1990s and they introduced one of the earliest PC wristwatch back in in the 1920s IIRC.

The 3940J is reasonably priced as a PC. But as someone mentioned above, probably best to add in the time and expense for a Patek servicing for the watch. Also ask yourself if you like the YG case. The RG/WG/Plat 3940s are rarer and will command a higher price. YG was quite popular in the 1980s-2000s when the 3940 was produced though.

As for the 5396, it is a nice looking AC. It uses a 324 based movement, so it is not as thin as the 240 micro-rotor that is in the 3940. Also the 5396 has a seconds hand, which is missing in the 240 movement based PC.

As for the watch band, the 5396 has a deployant clasp whereas the 3940 most likely has a tang buckle.

A lot of differences between these watches to think through. At the end of the day, try them both on your wrist and decide based on which watch brings a smile to your face

[sensui]

As much as I like the 5936r, the 3940 would be the better choice for me.....for many reasons mentioned prior like the Phillipe Stern choice, classical dial layout, micro rotor, QP etc Just a stunning reference.

[Sisyphus]

Originally Posted by jon_jon

Patek ACs and PCs are both quite special. Patek patented the AC in the 1990s and they introduced one of the earliest PC wristwatch back in in the 1920s IIRC.

The 3940J is reasonably priced as a PC. But as someone mentioned above, probably best to add in the time and expense for a Patek servicing for the watch. Also ask yourself if you like the YG case. The RG/WG/Plat 3940s are rarer and will command a higher price. YG was quite popular in the 1980s-2000s when the 3940 was produced though.

As for the 5396, it is a nice looking AC. It uses a 324 based movement, so it is not as thin as the 240 micro-rotor that is in the 3940. Also the 5396 has a seconds hand, which is missing in the 240 movement based PC.

As for the watch band, the 5396 has a deployant clasp whereas the 3940 most likely has a tang buckle.

A lot of differences between these watches to think through. At the end of the day, try them both on your wrist and decide based on which watch brings a smile to your face

This is a very good insight, thanks a lot!

I guess you are right, probably need to get a look at both in the metal before deciding.

[cominghome]

Patek is about starting a journey in my opinion. You also know what their “look after for your next generations” words. I believe that works in fact. So getting a double selaed Patek from official boutique and look after for next generations make be attracted. So sure to go for the new one.


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