Messages: 5 Location: Sydney, Australia
Registered: February 2017
Re: Purchasing pre-owned (3940)-what to look for?
Mon, 27 February 2017 17:02
Penman wrote on Tue, 28 February 2017 07:43
I purchased a 3940P from 2006 with all papers and winding box about a month ago. Don't know whether it had ever been serviced, but at the time of purchase, I had the dealer I bought it from put it on the timing machine and show me the results. It was within 2 sec./day and has been running great. I'm probably going to wait to have a service, as I don't relish the idea of not having the watch for 8-10 mos. at this moment.
You mentioned white metal--note the platinum version of the 3940 never came with a sapphire back.
I find the watch a perfect size for my wrist, and very readable. To me it is a quintessential Patek and I think undervalued due to the market obsession with large watches.
Other owners' experience seem to suggest that an overhaul every ~6-8 years is appropriate. My dealer quoted 6-8 sec/day so I'll need to factor in the cost of an overhaul into the purchase price.
36mm is a good size for my wrist. In terms of value, I don't believe pricing on the 3940 has shifted very much the past few years. Nonetheless for me this's a quintessential Patek and I prefer it over the 5140.
