In this insightful hands-on preview, joenghenry offers an early look at Patek Philippe's 2022 novelties, the Calatrava Ref. 5226G and Ref. 5326G. His detailed observations highlight key design innovations and aesthetic choices, providing invaluable first impressions for collectors considering these new references. joenghenry's analysis focuses on the unique case construction, dial texture, and movement details, setting the stage for a deeper community discussion.
Dear All,
Invited by AD to attend preview of 2022 novelties and saw this two new calatrava in metal today.
My impressions/ observations are as follows:
1. The construction of lugs is new and hasn’t appeared in other references before. The lugs are connected to the bottom plate only, and not attached to the middle case or bezel. As shown by the brown arrows, there’s a fine gap between lug and bezel. As a result, the rows of hobnails run continuously around the whole circumference of middle case without disruption.
2. The granular vulcanite like dial has a rich texture and also colour gradient with a darker periphery. Being a Leica fans as well, I like this dial very much!
3. The dessert brown/ creamy fluorescent hands and applied numeral indices give the watch a rugged and sporty look.
4. Though we all don’t quite like date window, the dark background/ brown numbers date wheel on 5226G certainly helps maintain the homogeneity of dial.
5. 5226G wears thin on wrist. Even the 5326G isn’t too thick and should have no problem in sliding it under the sleeve.
6. The 260 caliber of 5326G is the same as 5236P and GORGEOUS!!!!! Although it doesn't have inward angle bevels, the three bridges construction is traditional and beautiful. The solid platinum micro rotor is also one of a kind.
Regrettably the watches for preview have their movements locked and I can’t try the new complication combo of travel time plus annual calendar of 5326G.
The ambient lighting casted shadow easily, hence couldn’t take good end on view photos 😅.
Cheers, Henry




About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5236
The Complications reference 5236P-001, introduced in 2021, is notable for its in-line perpetual calendar display. This configuration presents all calendar indications – day, date, month, and leap year – in a single, elongated aperture below 12 o'clock. This design choice offers a distinct aesthetic and legibility compared to traditional perpetual calendars with multiple subdials or apertures. The reference was a significant addition to Patek Philippe's Complications collection, showcasing a novel approach to a classic grand complication. Its platinum case and blue dial further underscore its position within the brand's high-end offerings.
The watch is housed in a platinum case measuring 41.3mm in diameter, with a thickness of 11.07mm. It is powered by the self-winding caliber 31-260 PS QL, a movement specifically developed for this in-line perpetual calendar display. This movement incorporates several technical advancements to achieve its unique calendar presentation and offers a power reserve of 38 to 48 hours. The watch features a sapphire crystal on both the front and the case back, allowing for a view of the meticulously finished movement.
As a relatively recent introduction that was subsequently discontinued, the 5236P-001 holds particular interest for collectors who appreciate innovative calendar displays and limited production periods. Its technical sophistication and unique aesthetic appeal to those seeking a distinct perpetual calendar from Patek Philippe. The discontinuation of a model introduced in 2021, while not uncommon for certain high-end references, adds to its potential collectibility, distinguishing it from longer-running production pieces.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Caliber 31-260 PS QL
- Case
- Platinum
- Diameter
- 41.3mm
- Dial
- Blue
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5226
The Patek Philippe Calatrava reference 5226G-001, introduced in 2022, presents a contemporary interpretation of the classic Calatrava design. This model is distinguished by its textured dial and a case design that integrates the strap lugs seamlessly, offering a cohesive aesthetic. It represents an evolution in the Calatrava line, moving towards a more modern and robust appearance while retaining the collection's characteristic purity of form. The reference was launched alongside the Annual Calendar Travel Time reference 5326G-001, sharing certain design cues.
Crafted in white gold, the case of the 5226G-001 features a hobnail pattern on its flanks, a detail that adds a subtle texture without detracting from its overall understated presence. The watch is powered by the self-winding caliber 26-330 S C, a movement known for its reliability and slim profile, visible through a sapphire crystal case back. This caliber provides a power reserve suitable for daily wear and includes a date display and sweep seconds.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a modern Calatrava with distinctive design elements. Its white gold case and unique dial texture set it apart from more traditional Calatrava models, offering a fresh perspective on a foundational Patek Philippe collection. The integration of the hobnail pattern, traditionally found on bezels, into the case band provides a subtle nod to Patek Philippe's heritage while presenting a contemporary execution.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 26-330 S C
- Case
- White Gold
- Diameter
- 40
- Dial
- Black textured
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5326
The Patek Philippe reference 5326G-001 is a significant introduction combining an Annual Calendar with a Travel Time function, presented within the Calatrava collection. This reference stands out for its innovative integration of two highly practical complications, marking a notable evolution in Patek Philippe's approach to combining utility with classic design principles. It represents a sophisticated option for collectors seeking advanced functionality in a refined, everyday wearable timepiece, distinguishing it from simpler Calatrava models.
This timepiece features a white gold case, housing the self-winding caliber 31-260 PS QA LU FUS 24H. The movement provides an Annual Calendar, displaying the day, date, and month, alongside a Travel Time mechanism with local and home time indication and a day/night display for both time zones. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, offering a clear view of the dial and protecting the intricate mechanics.
The 5326G-001 appeals to collectors who value technical innovation and practical complications. Its combination of an Annual Calendar and Travel Time in a single watch offers a compelling proposition for frequent travelers or those who appreciate comprehensive timekeeping functions. The design maintains the understated elegance characteristic of the Calatrava line, making it a versatile addition to a collection.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 31-260 PS QA LU FUS 24H
- Case
- White gold
- Diameter
- 41 mm
- Dial
- Charcoal gray, granulated
- Water Resist.
- 30 m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Travel Time Ref. 5326G
The Calatrava 5326G represents Patek Philippe's approach to the dress watch category in a 41mm white gold case configuration. This reference features a black dial paired with a tan suede strap, positioning it within the brand's formal timepiece offerings with contemporary proportions.
The 41mm white gold case houses the manual-winding caliber 324 S QA LU 24H/303, providing 35-45 hours of power reserve. The watch features a smooth bezel, sapphire crystal, and 30-meter water resistance. The black dial creates contrast against the white gold case, while the tan suede strap complements the overall composition.
Produced from 2017 to present, this reference appeals to collectors seeking a larger-format dress watch from Patek Philippe's contemporary catalog. The manual-winding movement and white gold construction place it within the brand's traditional watchmaking approach, while the 41mm case size addresses modern sizing preferences in formal timepieces.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 324 S QA LU 24H/303
- Case
- White gold
- Diameter
- 41mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire crystal
About the Patek Philippe Complications Ref. 5236P
The Complications reference 5236P is notable for its in-line perpetual calendar display, a distinctive arrangement that presents the day, date, and month in a single aperture at 12 o'clock. This design choice offers a clean and highly legible presentation of complex calendar information, differentiating it from other perpetual calendar models that typically use multiple subdials. Introduced in 2021, this reference quickly became a point of interest for collectors seeking innovative calendar displays within a classic Patek Philippe framework.
Crafted in platinum, the case of the 5236P measures 41.3mm in diameter and houses the self-winding caliber 31-260 PS QL. This movement is equipped with a platinum micro-rotor and operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, providing a power reserve of approximately 38 to 48 hours. The watch features a sapphire crystal on both the front and the exhibition case back, allowing for a view of the meticulously finished movement.
This reference appeals to collectors who appreciate technical innovation combined with traditional watchmaking artistry. Its unique in-line perpetual calendar display represents a significant development in the brand's perpetual calendar offerings. The 5236P fits into the Complications collection as a sophisticated and technically advanced timepiece, appealing to those who value both mechanical ingenuity and refined aesthetics.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 31-260 PS QL
- Case
- Platinum
- Diameter
- 41.3mm
- Dial
- Blue-black
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire