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27 February 2020, 06:18 AM | #1 |
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Thinking about buying a 3940
So I'm dipping my toes into the world of Patek for the first time. I'm hesitant to enter the pre-owned market as I've always bought everything new. However, the 3940 is lovely and obviously out of production. There is one online I saw but the certificate of origin is dated Nov 2007. My understanding was the watch was produced through 2006. I guess it could've sat on the shelf for at least a year but was that common? Is there an easy way online to use the certificate of origin to confirm the production date?
Also the dealer says they've serviced it themselves. Is that a red flag for anyone? Do you only buy a piece serviced at Patek? I'm sure I'll come up with more questions. Thanks for the help. |
27 February 2020, 07:59 AM | #2 | |
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Production date of 2007 is not a concern. For future reference, Patek has a 4 letter code at the bottom of the COO that corresponds with the month/year of production. |
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27 February 2020, 11:12 AM | #3 |
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Don't think I know where that 4 letter code is even after trying to look at a few COO's.
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27 February 2020, 11:56 AM | #4 |
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I have bought a few 240Q movement based watches in the 36mm size from reliable dealers and all have been spot on. Buy the dealer not the watch.
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27 February 2020, 01:07 PM | #5 | |
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Patek later stopped providing this information so newer certificates won't have it, but I think for 2006-2007 and earlier it should be there. |
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27 February 2020, 01:09 PM | #6 |
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27 February 2020, 02:13 PM | #7 |
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Thinking about the PP3940? Go for it! “It’s A Great watch. One of the best PP perpetual calender and the thinest perpetual you can find in the market. Can’t go wrong with this ne!
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27 February 2020, 06:55 PM | #8 |
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I have a 3940. The dial is legible and it’s thin for a PC. Buy from a dealer with 2-year warranty for piece of mind.
Can always request an ‘extract from the archives’ from Patek. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
28 February 2020, 01:50 AM | #9 |
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The 3940 exudes old world charm and patek dna.
As others have said, it's important tio buy the seller. |
28 February 2020, 01:56 AM | #10 | |
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It's almost a classy counter-reaction to today's desperate need for blingtastic status signalling..... On the rare occasions I have seem someone wearing one, I just can't help but respect them. Go for it. BTW- ONLY Patek should service/valet a Patek. I won't touch anything that is otherwise. |
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28 February 2020, 02:49 AM | #11 | |
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28 February 2020, 03:02 AM | #12 |
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I'm realizing the last part isn't so easy. Seems like every dealer has their own "master watchmaker" that services the watches. To me that sounds like a quicker and cheaper way to pass the watch along. Occasionally I've seen one with the Patek service letter.
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28 February 2020, 12:01 PM | #13 |
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I also noticed that the Geneve seal is on different parts of the movement pieces on different watches. Is this common?
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29 February 2020, 06:27 AM | #14 |
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This is what I mean....on this watch it's the left on "Patek Philippe" and on most it's to the right. Is this common to have such variation?
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29 February 2020, 10:34 AM | #15 |
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29 February 2020, 10:53 AM | #16 |
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29 February 2020, 06:05 PM | #17 |
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Never have anyone or buy a piece that has been worked on other than PP ! Lesson learned
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1 March 2020, 09:45 AM | #18 |
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I would be a bit suspect with the dealer servicing a grand complication, unless it is the Patek salon or something.
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1 March 2020, 10:27 AM | #19 |
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1 March 2020, 06:03 PM | #20 | |
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Yes they are there, mine september 2006 PEPR = 03/06, P 0 a 1 t 2 e 3 k 4 h 5 r 6 o 7 n 8 s 9 |
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2 March 2020, 04:31 AM | #21 |
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Awesome info. Another question: I see a lot of 5140s available in new old stock. The only difference being size of case and squished dates, it seems like a good option. A handful on Chrono 24.com dealers. What's your experience with new old stock. Is that a common thing?
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2 March 2020, 04:38 PM | #22 | |
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I think it’s common, esp for that model since it’s a high price and controversial design. I’m a fan tho. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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