The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Regulator 5235 is - as the name suggests - a regulator watch from Patek Philippe. Perfectly designed, this extraordinary timepiece features an in-house movement, annual calendar (day, date and month) and a stunning 40.5 mm case in white gold. Released at Baselworld in 2012, this watch is a rare gem, and one you may have some difficulty getting hold of.
Alternative Design
As with all regulator watches, the minute and hour hands on the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Regulator 5235 do not utilise the same middle pinion point as is usual. Instead, they are placed separately — the minute hand at 12 o’clock, alongside subsidiary hours and subsidiary seconds located at 6 o’clock. This alternative, off-centre arrangement is a reflection of the historic need for watchmakers to maintain a completely clear view of the second hand.
A Dial of Distinction
The complex in-house movement (31-260 REG QA) of the watch is not its only unique attribute. Its satin-brushed dial, complete with dual-tone configuration, blue transferred indicators and minute track, also features a delicate engraving of the Patek Philippe mark, carefully positioned at 3 o’clock. As such, the timepiece has very quickly become a highly sought-after favourite among collectors. The dial also benefits from date apertures and an hour sub-dial. The flawless silvery colour is truly mesmerising.
Elegant Casing
The watch case has been carefully designed with stylish straight lugs, a case band of brushed satin and a bezel polished to perfection. Around the lugs, the designer has alternated polished and brushed areas to create elegant chamfers. There are three discrete and carefully thought-out correctors on the case band to enable the wearer to easily adjust calendar functions. The annual calendar function has automatic recognition for 30- and 31-day months. Therefore it will need correction just once annually. The case also includes the traditional Calatrava silhouette, a defining feature of all Patek Philippe watches for the last 70 years.
Luxurious Strap
The strap on the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Regulator 5235 is hand-stitched. It's a luxurious alligator strap in night blue, with contrasting lighter blue stitching and square scales. The 18k pin buckle in white gold is pyramidal and etched with the Patek Philippe insignia rather than the more conventional Calatrava cross.
Exceptional Calibre
This incredible timepiece features the exceptionally thin 31-260 REG QA. The 33 mm, 5.08 mm thick diameter movement is made from 313 parts and about 29 stunning jewels. Rather amazingly, the 23,040 kph (3.2 Hz) frequency of the movement offers 60 hours' worth of reserve power, rather than the usual 48, and is incredibly accurate. The back display back enables full visibility of this impressive calibre — a regular characteristic of Patek Philippe designs and somewhat breathtaking.
Unconventional and Eye-Catching
Very little about this elegant watch is conventional. The eye-catching arrangement and unique beauty exude sophistication and class. What is more, the piece is water-resistant at up to a depth of 30 metres. There is no doubt this understated timepiece will add subtle, timeless style to any collection.
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Regulator 5235 retails at approximately £52,600.