Patek Philippe Ref. 5140 Perpetual Calendar Watch: A Worthy Successor To The Ref. 3940

Among the cognoscenti, it is virtual gospel that Patek Philippe’s greatest strengths are classical dress watches and watchmaking complications.  An ideal representation of both of these talents is summed up in the lovely and perfectly balanced Patek Philippe Ref. 5140 Perpetual Calendar–the 1.20-mm larger successor of the famous Ref. 3940, which was produced from 1985 through 2006 and is among the most beloved classics in the haute horlogerie repertoire, as well as a quintessential Patek Philippe timepiece.

While there are those who argue that the Ref. 5140 watch is nothing more than a financially expedient move by Patek Philippe to repackage the 36mm Ref. 3940 in a slightly more contemporary size, I feel that the balance of the new reference is superb and stands firmly on its own merits.  Yes, the subdials and moonphase display have migrated slightly closer to the center of the dial, but this takes nothing away from the elegance and harmony of the dial.  Indeed, if anything, the more expansive dial succeeds in adding an even greater sense of clarity to a perpetual calendar display which was already a model of cleanliness and simplicity.   And, let it be said that while 1.20 milleters may not seem like much, the increased case diameter gives the 5140 a subtle but much improved presence on the wrist compared to the “old” 36mm Ref. 3940 watch. 

In all, The 37.20mm case of the Patek Philippe Ref. 5140 Perpetual Calendar presents a perfectly classical disposition, keeping the conservative beauty of its predecessor perfectly intact.  Let it be said that a lament for the departed Ref. 3940 is hardly necessary–the new reference bears the torch of Patek Philippe watchmaking virtues with admirable grace.