Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Moon Phase

In 1991, the soon-to-be graduates at the Geneva School of Engineering were presented with their final project prior to receiving their diploma — 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 Philippe in collaboration with the bright engineering minds at the GSE. Five years later, Patek debuted the Reference 5035 which marked the world’s first-ever annual calendar movement and finally bridged the gap between a triple date function and the formidable quantième perpétuel. This piece happens to be one of our favorite takes on the Patek Philippe Complications Annual Calendar dating back to 2020. Designated as a Reference 5396G-014, this delightful timepiece features a 38.5mm 18K white gold case with contoured lugs, a sapphire crystal, signed crown and a bezel adorned with a polished finish. Its dark grey dial features a subtle sunburst satin finish with a matching white gold dauphine handset, day and month apertures underneath the Patek Philippe signature, a 24-hour subsidiary dial with a moonphase display, an applied ‘dot’ minute track, a date indicator at 6 o’clock, and the best part — applied, white gold Breguet numerals. Chef's kiss. The reverse features an exhibition back providing a window through which you can admire the self-winding Caliber 324 S QA LU 24H with a gold winding rotor engraved with the ‘Calatrava Cross’ seal. Accompanied by a signed alligator leather strap with a signed 18K white gold deployant buckle, this piece is an absolute stunner on the wrist. Packing pedigree, refinement, function and outstanding craftsmanship that can only be expected by the one of the best — actually the best — watch manufactures in the world, this 5396 needs to be experienced in person to truly understand its greatness.