Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5035G

US$0.00

SOLD

Description

This is the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5035G. Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe has always been at the upper echelons of haute horology. A company that has always been privately owned, Patek has been manufacturing watches for almost two centuries without interruption. The company is currently owned by the Stern family, whose heritage dates back to when they were supplying dials to Patek in the 1920s.

While the Aquanauts and Nautiluses have experienced a meteoric rise in prices, they are best known for their complicated, high-end timepieces. Without taking anything away from the success of the Nautilus, it’s clear that there is tremendous comparative value in their complicated wristwatches given the prices today. In the 1920s, Patek created the world’s first split-second chronograph and the first perpetual calendar, and later, the first perpetual calendar chronograph. Rich in history with complicated timepieces, it’s clear that complications are in the brand’s DNA.

Given the history of the brand with regards to complications, it might come as a surprise that this annual calendar reference was only introduced in the 90s. Yet the purpose of introducing this reference was to address a gap between their time-only Calatravas and their complicated perpetual calendars. Introduced in 1996 and powered by the cal. 315 S-QA, the annual calendar complication is actually very comprehensive and the main difference between the annual and perpetual calendar is the requirement active adjustments during leap years. Given the lower cost of production compared to the perpetual calendars leading to a lower retail price, the brand ingeniously addressed the issue of a more affordable complicated watch.

Produced in a variety of dial colours and case metals, this particular 5035G is housed in a white gold case with a more uncommon salmon dial. Bear in mind, this was during a time when salmon-coloured dials were not in vogue as they are today. While the 5035 may not be the most familiar reference to most collectors, it really is a seminal and overlooked reference due to the fact that this was where it all started with Patek Philippe’s annual calendar complication.

Condition

This Patek Philippe 5035G is in good overall condition. The front crystal has a hairline from prior wear near the 12 while the back crystal remains in excellent condition. The white gold case remains in excellent condition with very few signs of prior wear. The watch retains its original buckle but no box or papers. All functions are working and the watch is in full working order.