Breguet3820 celebrates the acquisition of his Patek Philippe Ref. 5035 Annual Calendar in yellow gold, marking a significant milestone in his collecting journey. This post delves into his appreciation for its complications, traditional sizing, and perceived investment potential, offering a personal perspective on a cherished timepiece.
Hello All,Thank you so much for the kind words and advice.
After much thought and consideration I have purchased my new watch (new to me that is as it came from a vintage watch dealer).
It is the fantastic Patek Philippe 5035 in Yellow Gold.
I just could not pass up an Annual Calendar for a first Patek.
I am so proud to have a "complicated" piece on my wrist.
I also love the 24 hour display and the Romans sealed the deal.
The watch was built around the 315 movement - not just a conversion to fashion like the 5146 which is simply a 5036 with added size (for no good reason that I can see). 37mm for a conservative dress watch is a great size!
If I wanted a huge watch I would have bought an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Off-shore!
I think the term "traditional size" fits the 37mm size. Infact the current model 5140 Perpetual Calendar is around this size also.
I have seen articles on the net stating the 5035 has great investment potential. In fact a 5035 sold for more money than a 3940 in New York last year! (was it a mistake or is the 5035 taking off?).
I appreciate all the kind pieces of advice and help.
Thank you so much for making this a great purchase!
About the Patek Philippe Grand Complications Ref. 3940
The Patek Philippe Reference 3940 is a perpetual calendar wristwatch that was introduced in 1985, succeeding the Reference 3450. It is notable for its relatively slim profile and the integration of a perpetual calendar complication in a refined case. This reference became a cornerstone of Patek Philippe's complicated watch offerings for nearly two decades, establishing a design language for subsequent perpetual calendar models. It represents a significant period in the brand's modern history of complicated timepieces.
The watch features a 36mm case, typically crafted from yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, or platinum. It houses the self-winding Caliber 240 Q movement, which is known for its micro-rotor construction, contributing to the movement's thinness and allowing for a slimmer case profile. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, often accompanied by an interchangeable solid case back and a sapphire display back.
Reference 3940 is highly regarded by collectors for its classic proportions and the enduring appeal of its perpetual calendar display, which includes day, date, month, leap year cycle, and moon phases. It was produced in several series, with subtle variations in dial layout and typography, making early series examples particularly sought after. The reference is considered a benchmark for perpetual calendar watches and remains a significant piece for those appreciating traditional horological complications.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 240 Q
- Case
- Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Platinum
- Diameter
- 36mm
- Dial
- Silver, White, Opaline
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Ref. 5035
The Patek Philippe reference 5035 introduced the annual calendar complication to the brand's regular production lineup, marking a significant development in accessible high horology. This reference automatically accounts for months with 30 or 31 days, requiring manual adjustment only once a year at the end of February. Its introduction provided collectors with a sophisticated calendar function that was more practical for daily wear than a perpetual calendar, yet still showcased Patek Philippe's technical prowess.
The 5035 features a 37 mm case, offered in 18k yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold, with a smooth bezel. It is powered by the automatic caliber 315 S IRM QA, which includes a power reserve indicator, date, and small seconds. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. A sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the watch is water resistant to 25 meters.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a historically important Patek Philippe annual calendar. Its design is characterized by a balanced dial layout, typically in silver, with sub-dials for the month, day, and date, along with a power reserve indicator. The 5035 was produced from 1996 to 2006, establishing the annual calendar as a core complication within the Patek Philippe collection.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 315 S IRM QU
- Case
- 18k Yellow Gold, White Gold, or Rose Gold
- Diameter
- 37 mm
- Dial
- Silver
- Water Resist.
- 25m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Ref. 5036
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Reference 5036 represents the manufacture's first annual calendar wristwatch, establishing this complication within the brand's lineup. Produced from 1996 to 2004, the 5036 introduced the annual calendar function in wristwatch form, requiring manual adjustment only once per year in February.
The 36.5mm case is available in 18k yellow gold or white gold, fitted with a smooth bezel and sapphire crystal. Water resistance is rated to 25 meters. The automatic Caliber 315/190 movement provides 48 hours of power reserve. The watch is completed with a leather strap.
Reference 5036 appeals to collectors seeking Patek Philippe's entry into annual calendar complications in wristwatch format. The 36.5mm case size reflects period-appropriate proportions, while the eight-year production run established the foundation for subsequent annual calendar references. The combination of precious metal cases and automatic movement positions this reference within Patek Philippe's complicated watch segment.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 315/190
- Case
- 18k Yellow Gold or White Gold
- Diameter
- 36.5 mm
- Water Resist.
- 25m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 5140
The Patek Philippe Reference 5140 is a perpetual calendar wristwatch, succeeding the highly regarded Reference 3940. It maintains the classic Patek Philippe perpetual calendar layout, featuring day, date, month, leap year, and moon phase indications. The 5140 was introduced with a slightly larger case diameter than its predecessor, reflecting contemporary preferences while retaining a traditional aesthetic.
This reference is powered by the ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 240 Q, known for its micro-rotor construction which allows for a slender case profile. The movement provides a power reserve of 48 hours. The watch is presented in 18k white gold, rose gold, or yellow gold cases, measuring 39 mm in diameter, and is fitted with a sapphire crystal. It offers water resistance to 30 meters.
The 5140 appeals to collectors seeking a modern perpetual calendar with a direct lineage to Patek Philippe's established complications. Its production run from 2006 to 2019 saw various dial configurations, including opaline and silvery finishes. The watch is typically paired with a leather strap and a deployant clasp, consistent with Patek Philippe's classic offerings.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 240 Q
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Dial
- Opaline, Silvery
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Patek Philippe 5146/1J-001 Ref. 5146
The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Moon Phases reference 5146, introduced in 2005, represents a significant offering in the brand's annual calendar complication lineage. This reference succeeded the popular 5035 and 5036 models, refining the aesthetic and technical presentation of the annual calendar with moon phases. It is characterized by its balanced dial layout, integrating day, date, month, moon phase, and power reserve indications in a legible and harmonious arrangement. The 5146 was produced in various precious metals, establishing itself as a core model within Patek Philippe's complicated watch collection for many years.
This particular iteration of the 5146 is presented in an 18k yellow gold case, measuring 39mm in diameter. It houses the self-winding Patek Philippe Caliber 324 S IRM QA LU, a movement known for its reliability and precision, visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 45 hours. A domed sapphire crystal protects the dial, and the watch is water-resistant to 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear but not for swimming or diving.
The reference 5146 appeals to collectors seeking a sophisticated daily wearable complication from Patek Philippe. Its annual calendar mechanism requires adjustment only once a year, at the end of February, offering practical convenience. The model was available with several dial variations and case materials throughout its production run, which concluded around 2020. The yellow gold variant with a silvery opaline dial offers a classic and understated presentation, aligning with traditional Patek Philippe aesthetics.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal.324 S IRM QA LU
- Case
- 18k Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 39mm
- Dial
- Silvery opaline
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire