09.03.2021 - Patek Philippe

Chimes are changing: Rare Patek for sale

Launched in the early nineties, the romantic reference 3939 is one of Patek Philippe‘s most iconic watches. So simple yet so refined, this elegant Tourbillon Minute Repeater is handcrafted with incredible expertise, and all within a 33.5mm case.

Every single minute repeater made by Patek takes at least 200 hours to make so it really is quite a mission to create one. This is as good as watchmaking gets. When Patek created a stainless steel version of this reference, which had only been made in precious metals previously, it sold at auction for a staggering £1.2 million. 

Here at Luxe Watches, we are incredibly fortunate to have one of these rare timepieces for sale in 18K yellow gold. We take a look at this simple favourite a little more closely.

Desired complications

This men’s model from 2005 is pre-worn but in excellent condition and features two of the most desired complications – a tourbillon and a sophisticated minute repeater. 

The 3939 is powered by the calibre RTO 27 PS, offering a reserve of up to 48 hours. The functions include hours, minutes and small seconds. 

Our favourite thing about this watch is its beautiful chimes with clear resonance tones. The minute repeater chimes the low tones and single gongs on the hour, while mid tone chimes sound double gongs on the quarter hours. Minutes are marked with high tones and single gongs.

Enamel dial

It has a beautiful enamel white dial with applied 18K yellow gold Breguet numerals and hands which look stunning as they reflect off the crystal and back onto the dial in certain light.

The sapphire crystal back shows off the tourbillon and the hammers for the minute repeater, and the chimes going around. For a minute repeater the energy comes from pushing the slide but if it hasn’t been wound you can still run the minute repeater and make it chime on the wrist.

More features

Complete with 28 jewels, this wristwear is moisture-resistant but not fully waterproof. It comes with a hand-stitched black alligator strap with square scales and 18K yellow gold fold-over clasp.

Other features of the Patek include a Gyromax balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, shock-absorber and a self-compensating free-sprung Breguet balance spring.

Find out more

The watch comes complete with its original box, and is stamped with the Geneva Quality Mark. We also offer a 12-month Luxe Watches warranty.For more information on this beautiful Patek, contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions. We also offer watch part exchange on any of our luxury watches regardless of manufacturer.