Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Moonphase

The Annual Calendar is a complication invented by Patek Philippe. While it plays second fiddle to the Perpetual Calendar in the minds of most collectors, the reality is that the construction of the calendar mechanism is equally challenging, and in some cases, requires even more components. The 5035 was Patek's first Annual Calendar model launched in 1996, and set the bar for all that followed — including those from competitors. This particular example, a 5205G, is a successor to the 5035 with a few additional refinements. Coming in at 40mm in diameter, it features a lovely, solid 18K white gold case with hollowed lugs, a polished, concave bezel, a signed crown, a sapphire crystal, and a very cool, multi-tone silver 'sector' dial with day, date, month, and moonphase apertures, applied faceted-baton indices, and a matching 'dauphine' handset. Fitted to a signed black alligator leather strap with a signed white gold pin buckle, it's powered by Patek Philippe's automatic winding Calibre 324 S QA LU 24HR movement, thankfully visible via a sapphire exhibition caseback. This piece packs pedigree, refinement, function and outstanding craftsmanship that can only be expected on Patek Philippe. Any old wristwatch can tell the time. Few truly define it.