Patek Philippe, one of the pillars of Swiss haute horlogerie, has elevated the Annual Calendar – a mechanical complication invented and patented by the brand in 1996 – to the status of artistic expression. The models we highlight offer a fascinating synthesis of sophisticated functionality, refined aesthetics and immaculate technical execution desired by enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Ref. 5396G-017 - White Gold with Diamonds and Blue Dial This modern interpretation of the iconic Ref. 5396 features a 38.5 mm white gold case with a blue sunburst dial with a black gradient and twelve baguette-cut diamond hour markers (0.26 ct). The calendar displays the day and month in a double aperture at 12 o'clock and the date at 6 o'clock, complemented by moon phases and a 24-hour display. The automatic calibre 26-330 S QA LU 24H requires only one adjustment per year.
Ref. 5396R-011 - Elegance in Rose Gold Based on the same design as the 5396, this rose gold version features a silver opaline dial with rose gold hour markers and hands. The classic aesthetic is enhanced by the subdials and date apertures, while the automatic movement maintains the annual calendar, moon phase and 24-hour functions, awarded the Patek Philippe Seal.
5205G-013 - Modernity in a Radiant Blue Dial With a contemporary design, the 5205G-013 displays the day, date and month in three arched apertures, visually emerging from a blue sunburst dial with a black gradient. The white gold case combines polished surfaces with recessed flanks and skeletonized lugs, lending it a technical and elegant appearance. The underlying calibre continues to offer the same complications: annual calendar, moon phases and 24-hour display.
Ref. 4947/1A-001 - Refined Steel with Integrated Bracelet This 38 mm stainless steel version takes a robust and contemporary approach to a Calatrava watch with an integrated five-row bracelet. The blue ‘shantung’ dial, with a horizontal and vertical satin finish, gains depth with applied white gold numerals. Functionally, it retains the annual calendar, moon phases and date display - all in one versatile timepiece.
Ref. 5326G-001 - Annual Calendar with Travel Time for Travellers This 41 mm white gold model is revolutionary in combining the Annual Calendar with the Travel Time system for a second time zone - without side buttons, everything is adjusted via the crown. The textured charcoal grey dial, with quadruple complication (calendar, moon phases, Travel Time and day/night indicator), is encased in a guilloché case with a hobnail pattern. The automatic calibre 31-260 PS QA LU FUS 24H guarantees up to 48 hours of power reserve.
Each of these models demonstrates how the annual calendar has become fertile ground for aesthetic and technical innovations at Patek Philippe, particularly by combining refined elegance with useful complications. From the understated glamour of the 5396G-017 to the utilitarian time zones of the 5326G-001, there is a style for every traveller and timepiece enthusiast.
