Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5146J-001

Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5146J-001. 18ct yellow gold 39mm diameter case with push-piece correctors set into the case band. Self-winding chronometer calibre 324 S IRM QA LU automatic movement with an approximate 45-hour power reserve. Smooth polished yellow gold bezel. Cream dial with applied gold baton hour markers and luminescent gold hands. Annual calendar display with day, date and month shown in apertures across the top of the dial. Power reserve indicator at 12 o’clock and moon phase with small seconds sub-dial at 6 o’clock. Central hours, minutes and seconds hands. Sapphire crystal glass. Brown alligator leather strap with 18ct yellow gold folding clasp. Box and papers dated May 2010. Service papers dated April 2024.

The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar is a horological innovation that simplifies calendar complications in mechanical watches. Introduced in 1996 with the reference 5035, it was the first wristwatch to automatically account for months with 30 and 31 days, requiring adjustment only once a year, at the end of February. This breakthrough marked a departure from perpetual calendars, offering a more accessible option for watch enthusiasts. Over the years, Patek Philippe has refined its annual calendar models, incorporating different case materials, dial designs, and complications, such as moon phases and power reserve indicators. The annual calendar complication has since become a signature feature in Patek Philippe’s collections, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship in the realm of haute horology.