Collection
Dje shares his contemplation on the Patek Philippe 5146G as an ideal everyday watch, sparking a rich discussion among collectors about the nuances of Patek Philippe's annual calendars versus perpetual calendars. His personal encounter with a 5146G on a train journey underscores the watch's subtle yet profound appeal, prompting a reevaluation of his preferences. This post captures the essence of a collector's journey in seeking the perfect daily companion.
Some here have
the pleasure to wear a Patek Philippe perpetual calendar watch every day. Some
of those even wear my favourite 5159G, or even better, a 5970P! Many have also
worn a 3940 – or a more recent 5140 – for years!
For long the
3940 was the "simplest" complicated Patek Philippe watch when you
would not satisfy yourself with a simple date watch.
When the annual
calendar was issued it was a very useful complication offered to those who
wanted to step up from the classic entry level Calatrava range. To some extent
it was also intended to seduce a younger audience.
A perpetual
calendar is a fascinating mechanism. I've always found incredible to
think that such a tiny mechanical calibre had a single wheel that was making
one single turn every four years!
Still a
perpetual calendar was and still often is seen as a delicate mechanism to use
and settle. The new annual calendar invented by Patek Philippe was intended to
be much more usable, and as efficient. By the way as long as mechanical watches
will have to be serviced more or less every 5 years the perpetuity will be
theoretical!
Perpetually
looking for my ideal Patek Philippe watch I hardly considered the 5146 as an
option. The 5396 was always my favourite aesthetical choice. Still it was
always too classic on my wrist. While travelling by train to Paris to discover the new Patek Philippe
chronograph last month I had the surprise to spot a 5146G with slate dial on
the wrist sat in front of me. For nearly three hours I couldn't stop from
glancing!
The young man's Patek Philippe
The next
morning I had the same watch on my wrist (well only in the Patek Philippe
boutique, it's still a dream to accomplish).
You can see the
watch pictured here.
The watch is
just so understated, so modern looking, and at the same time so classy.
Full but not busy
The dial is
full of indications with the hours and minutes, the centre seconds hand, the
day, date and month, the moon phase and the power reserve indicator. The dial
is full but neatly organized and shows a very nice balance.
In fact I think
that for many the appeal of a chronograph is to have a filled dial, contrasting
xith "simple" watches. The annual calendar is more than a
chronograph.
Again perfect on my wrist
I still find
the 5396 very beautiful. The classical ref 96 case style and the "aperture"
calendar are quite nice. The more rounded 5146 is not just modern, it is also
linked to some nice PPs of the past, like maybe the 2526!
The other beautiful but more classical option
The new dial
versions of the 5396 that will be launched next month will certainly attract
even more people to the annual calendar, but for me the ideal annual calendar
may well remain the 5146G.
Next year's babe
A new men's
manual wind Patek Philippe chronograph may soon become my dream watch, and the
A. Lange & Söhne Richard Lange is still my favourite simple watch, but what
can be a more practical everyday watch at the office than an annual calendar?
Slate is good for me
I wonder if we
will see an annual calendar Nautilus someday? Like a waterproof stainless steel
Richard Lange would be the only better simple option, an all weather annual may
not just tempt me!
That must be something
If you wear an
annual calendar every day please share your experience with us.
Thank you for
reading.
Cheers
Dje
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.
I share your opinions on the Annual Calendar PP and the RL – absolutely love them! A RL in stainless steel would be perfect for it would make possible to me owning the most spectacular dress watch of our times. Marcelo
Sure the 5146G is a nice watch. But it is not my fav everyday watch from Patek. It is very funny but I think I'm one of the very few people who prefer the Gondolo Annual Calendar. Maybe because I find the dial more balanced. Here, I think that the indicators are too close to the center of the watch. At the end, the dial is a bit too busy for me. Fr.Xavier
I wear my watches in rotation so the 5146G comes on only once a week or so but often when I am away for a few days on work-related travel I take it with me because it is so practical, fits in well with everything and has the power to satisfy for a stretch of time. It gives me a happy, sated feeling of sorts - not edgy and exciting like some other watches but leaving me very content. And I can look at that beautiful ardoise dial for a long long time. Best Andreas
Yours is just gorgeous.
hi dye, pp5146 is such a great watch, and why it is nio calliber as collectors watch. i agree with you i own a pp5146 1v j and i lioe the watch. it always works well givethe complications i want, and then i wondered with the increase in the value of gold what is going to happen to the 1j thanks great pictures george
of the true collector's mind. Very refreshing. Best to all, Tim
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