Online-Katalog
25. Juni 2025 - Basel Watch Auction
Notes:
The reference 3940 was produced from 1985 until 2007 and is considered today by many collectors as a key development in the history of complicated wristwatches at Patek Philippe and largely contributed to the revival of the Swiss Watch Industry.
In 1985, the first 25 watches from that reference were produced to celebrate the 225th anniversary of Chronometrie Beyer in Zürich. Our present example is from the first batch of 15 examples made with the German calendar and bears on the dial No. 12.
Philippe Stern released the reference 3940 to coincide with the 225th anniversary of the eponymous retailer and show support for his close friend Theodore Beyer. The first 25 models were made with customized and numbered dials for Beyer. Numbers 1 to 15 had a German calendar display like our example, while numbers 16 to 25 were in English.
All watches were delivered to Beyer in May 1985. Appropriately, the first model with 770.001 movement was given to Theodore Beyer, the No. 2 to the famous collector from Basel Eugene Gchwindt on July 9 1985, and is now on display at the Patek Philippe Museum.
The Patek Philippe Reference 3940, particularly the limited edition retailed by Beyer in 1985, holds a distinguished place in horological history due to its technical innovation, rarity, and the significant collaboration between Patek Philippe and Chronometrie Beyer.
Origins and Significance:
Introduced in 1985, the reference 3940 marked a pivotal moment for Patek Philippe as it transitioned from the earlier reference 3448, the first automatic perpetual calendar. This new model featured the ultra-thin automatic Caliber 240 Q movement, renowned for its micro-rotor design, which allowed for a slimmer profile without compromising functionality. The movement’s efficiency and elegance set a new standard for perpetual calendar watches. The limited edition of 25 pieces was specially commissioned to commemorate the 225th anniversary of Chronometrie Beyer, Switzerland’s oldest watch retailer since 1760. This collaboration between Philippe Stern of Patek Philippe and Theodore Beyer underscored the deep-rooted relationship between the two families, both stalwarts in the watchmaking industry.
Unique Features:
Limited Production: Only 25 pieces were produced, with numbers 1–15 featuring German calendars and numbers 16–25 featuring English calendars.
Distinctive Dial: Each watch bore a champagne-colored dial with the Beyer signature and an individual number, a rarity for Patek Philippe timepieces. Caseback Engraving: The solid caseback was engraved to mark the special occasion, adding to its uniqueness and collectibility.
SALEROOM NOTICE:
Accompanied by the extract of the Beyer storage books.
The reference 3940 was produced from 1985 until 2007 and is considered today by many collectors as a key development in the history of complicated wristwatches at Patek Philippe and largely contributed to the revival of the Swiss Watch Industry.
In 1985, the first 25 watches from that reference were produced to celebrate the 225th anniversary of Chronometrie Beyer in Zürich. Our present example is from the first batch of 15 examples made with the German calendar and bears on the dial No. 12.
Philippe Stern released the reference 3940 to coincide with the 225th anniversary of the eponymous retailer and show support for his close friend Theodore Beyer. The first 25 models were made with customized and numbered dials for Beyer. Numbers 1 to 15 had a German calendar display like our example, while numbers 16 to 25 were in English.
All watches were delivered to Beyer in May 1985. Appropriately, the first model with 770.001 movement was given to Theodore Beyer, the No. 2 to the famous collector from Basel Eugene Gchwindt on July 9 1985, and is now on display at the Patek Philippe Museum.
The Patek Philippe Reference 3940, particularly the limited edition retailed by Beyer in 1985, holds a distinguished place in horological history due to its technical innovation, rarity, and the significant collaboration between Patek Philippe and Chronometrie Beyer.
Origins and Significance:
Introduced in 1985, the reference 3940 marked a pivotal moment for Patek Philippe as it transitioned from the earlier reference 3448, the first automatic perpetual calendar. This new model featured the ultra-thin automatic Caliber 240 Q movement, renowned for its micro-rotor design, which allowed for a slimmer profile without compromising functionality. The movement’s efficiency and elegance set a new standard for perpetual calendar watches. The limited edition of 25 pieces was specially commissioned to commemorate the 225th anniversary of Chronometrie Beyer, Switzerland’s oldest watch retailer since 1760. This collaboration between Philippe Stern of Patek Philippe and Theodore Beyer underscored the deep-rooted relationship between the two families, both stalwarts in the watchmaking industry.
Unique Features:
Limited Production: Only 25 pieces were produced, with numbers 1–15 featuring German calendars and numbers 16–25 featuring English calendars.
Distinctive Dial: Each watch bore a champagne-colored dial with the Beyer signature and an individual number, a rarity for Patek Philippe timepieces. Caseback Engraving: The solid caseback was engraved to mark the special occasion, adding to its uniqueness and collectibility.
SALEROOM NOTICE:
Accompanied by the extract of the Beyer storage books.
Online-Katalog 25. Juni 2025 - Basel Watch Auction Los 327
Patek Philippe
“Beyer No. 12”
Ref. 3940, No. 770 012, circa 1985
A 18k yellow gold automatic perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phases made for the 225th anniversary of Beyer in Zurich
Case: tonneau shape, snap-on case back, engraved on the back Patek Philippe No. 770 012 Fabriquée pour le 225ème anniversaire de Beyer à Zürich 1760-1985, signed
Dial: champagne with applied baton indexes, 3 subsidiary dials for the indication of months and leap year, aperture for the moon phases with date and days of the week with 24h display, numbered No. 12 and double signed Patek Philippe and Beyer
Movement:automatic with micro-rotor, nickel finished, caliber 240Q, 27 jewels, signed
Buckle/Clasp: 18k yellow gold buckle, signed
Dimensions: 37 mm
Weight: 62,9 g
Accessories: a special presentation box inscribed Beyer 1760-1985 on a plate with a setting pin for adjusting the calendar functions
CHF 100'000 – 200'000
Verkauft fürCHF 330'265
Notes:
The reference 3940 was produced from 1985 until 2007 and is considered today by many collectors as a key development in the history of complicated wristwatches at Patek Philippe and largely contributed to the revival of the Swiss Watch Industry.
In 1985, the first 25 watches from that reference were produced to celebrate the 225th anniversary of Chronometrie Beyer in Zürich. Our present example is from the first batch of 15 examples made with the German calendar and bears on the dial No. 12.
Philippe Stern released the reference 3940 to coincide with the 225th anniversary of the eponymous retailer and show support for his close friend Theodore Beyer. The first 25 models were made with customized and numbered dials for Beyer. Numbers 1 to 15 had a German calendar display like our example, while numbers 16 to 25 were in English.
All watches were delivered to Beyer in May 1985. Appropriately, the first model with 770.001 movement was given to Theodore Beyer, the No. 2 to the famous collector from Basel Eugene Gchwindt on July 9 1985, and is now on display at the Patek Philippe Museum.
The Patek Philippe Reference 3940, particularly the limited edition retailed by Beyer in 1985, holds a distinguished place in horological history due to its technical innovation, rarity, and the significant collaboration between Patek Philippe and Chronometrie Beyer.
Origins and Significance:
Introduced in 1985, the reference 3940 marked a pivotal moment for Patek Philippe as it transitioned from the earlier reference 3448, the first automatic perpetual calendar. This new model featured the ultra-thin automatic Caliber 240 Q movement, renowned for its micro-rotor design, which allowed for a slimmer profile without compromising functionality. The movement’s efficiency and elegance set a new standard for perpetual calendar watches. The limited edition of 25 pieces was specially commissioned to commemorate the 225th anniversary of Chronometrie Beyer, Switzerland’s oldest watch retailer since 1760. This collaboration between Philippe Stern of Patek Philippe and Theodore Beyer underscored the deep-rooted relationship between the two families, both stalwarts in the watchmaking industry.
Unique Features:
Limited Production: Only 25 pieces were produced, with numbers 1–15 featuring German calendars and numbers 16–25 featuring English calendars.
Distinctive Dial: Each watch bore a champagne-colored dial with the Beyer signature and an individual number, a rarity for Patek Philippe timepieces. Caseback Engraving: The solid caseback was engraved to mark the special occasion, adding to its uniqueness and collectibility.
SALEROOM NOTICE:
Accompanied by the extract of the Beyer storage books.
The reference 3940 was produced from 1985 until 2007 and is considered today by many collectors as a key development in the history of complicated wristwatches at Patek Philippe and largely contributed to the revival of the Swiss Watch Industry.
In 1985, the first 25 watches from that reference were produced to celebrate the 225th anniversary of Chronometrie Beyer in Zürich. Our present example is from the first batch of 15 examples made with the German calendar and bears on the dial No. 12.
Philippe Stern released the reference 3940 to coincide with the 225th anniversary of the eponymous retailer and show support for his close friend Theodore Beyer. The first 25 models were made with customized and numbered dials for Beyer. Numbers 1 to 15 had a German calendar display like our example, while numbers 16 to 25 were in English.
All watches were delivered to Beyer in May 1985. Appropriately, the first model with 770.001 movement was given to Theodore Beyer, the No. 2 to the famous collector from Basel Eugene Gchwindt on July 9 1985, and is now on display at the Patek Philippe Museum.
The Patek Philippe Reference 3940, particularly the limited edition retailed by Beyer in 1985, holds a distinguished place in horological history due to its technical innovation, rarity, and the significant collaboration between Patek Philippe and Chronometrie Beyer.
Origins and Significance:
Introduced in 1985, the reference 3940 marked a pivotal moment for Patek Philippe as it transitioned from the earlier reference 3448, the first automatic perpetual calendar. This new model featured the ultra-thin automatic Caliber 240 Q movement, renowned for its micro-rotor design, which allowed for a slimmer profile without compromising functionality. The movement’s efficiency and elegance set a new standard for perpetual calendar watches. The limited edition of 25 pieces was specially commissioned to commemorate the 225th anniversary of Chronometrie Beyer, Switzerland’s oldest watch retailer since 1760. This collaboration between Philippe Stern of Patek Philippe and Theodore Beyer underscored the deep-rooted relationship between the two families, both stalwarts in the watchmaking industry.
Unique Features:
Limited Production: Only 25 pieces were produced, with numbers 1–15 featuring German calendars and numbers 16–25 featuring English calendars.
Distinctive Dial: Each watch bore a champagne-colored dial with the Beyer signature and an individual number, a rarity for Patek Philippe timepieces. Caseback Engraving: The solid caseback was engraved to mark the special occasion, adding to its uniqueness and collectibility.
SALEROOM NOTICE:
Accompanied by the extract of the Beyer storage books.