Patek Philippe Annual Calendar

In 1991, the soon-to-be graduates at the Geneva School of Engineering were presented with their final project prior to receiving their diploma: to simplify the perpetual calendar.

Although the task was easier said than done, their work led to the inception of the annual calendar complication, patented by Patek in collaboration with the bright engineering minds at the GSE. Five years later, Patek debuted the Reference 5035, the world’s first-ever annual calendar movement that finally bridged the gap between a triple date function and the formidable quantième perpétuel. (An annual calendar requires adjusting once per year at the end of February, while the perpetual calendar requires no adjustment for many years.) 

This piece, a handsome modern interpretation of the Patek Philippe Complications Annual Calendar, transports us forward to the 2010s. A Reference 5396/1R-001, this lovely timepiece features a 38.5mm 18K rose gold case with sculpted, contoured lugs, a concave bezel, a signed crown, a sapphire crystal, and polished finishing.

The incredible brown sunray dial is a picture of economy, with applied rose gold indices, a matching ‘dauphine’ handset, and displays for the day, date, and month punctuated by a beautiful moon phase/24-hour display above 6 o’clock that also doubles as the watch’s running seconds indicator. 

The reverse side of the case features an exhibition back providing a window to admire the self-winding Caliber 324 S QA LU, whose mesmerizing 21K gold winding rotor is adorned with the hallmark Patek Philippe seal. Fitted to an exquisite rose gold multi-link bracelet with a signed clasp, this piece is accompanied by its factory goodies dating to circa 2012. 

There’s no doubt the Nautilus and Aquanaut have gotten their time in the sun, and even vintage Patek Philippe continues to demand the attention of any savvy collector. But let us not forget the high-complication heavy-hitters such as this, hiding in plain sight in Patek’s modern catalog!

Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world with an uninterrupted watchmaking history. Few international luxury brands carry the gravitas of their name, and for good reason. The firm's commitment to excellence in horological manufacture is unflinching, and their track record of innovation in design without peer. They continue to lead the industry, and even their fiercest competitors have nothing but the utmost respect for the company.

From the simple elegance of their Calatrava line to the stunning study in miniaturization that is reference 1518 perpetual calendar to the modern reference 5750P chiming watch, Patek’s catalog is chock full of some of the most elegant and complicated timepieces ever made. Family-owned and completely independent, the firm has the freedom to do what it wants — such as discontinue one of the world’s most beloved steel luxury sport watches, the reference 5711 — when it wants.

Owning a Patek Philippe is for many the ultimate goal of timepiece collecting, and for a certain type, the only timepieces they collect. Whichever way you look at it, there is no questioning the elegance of design, superlative manufacture of their cases and movements, or the sheer elegance and emotion that comes from owning one.

Of course for a brand that is steeped in heritage, we are told “You never actually own a Patek Philippe…”

Well, you know the rest.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.