Patek Philippe 5235R: Rose Gold Annual Calendar Regulator

jlux · 2022-01-30T09:25:28Z

Explore the Patek Philippe Ref. 5235R Regulator Annual Calendar with jlux's review and community insights. Discover its unique design, Pulsomax movement, and collector perspectives.

jlux

WPS member · Patek Philippe forum

39 replies7184 views7 photos

Gerard (jlux) presents his Patek Philippe Ref. 5235R, a timepiece celebrated for its distinctive regulator and annual calendar complication. His detailed photographs and observations highlight the watch's modern aesthetics and technical innovations, offering a deep dive into why this reference stands out within the Patek Philippe collection. This article explores the nuances of its design, movement, and the community's reception.

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I recently added the Regulator 5235 R into my collection.

A timepiece that stands out from the rest of the PP collection in terms of complication (regulator plus annual calendar) and modern aestetics.

The white gold first iteration of the watch was in my eyes less striking than the current rose gold version.

The combination of a grey dial with darker sub registers in combination with the rose gold case gives the watch a very refined and modern look.

The reading of time on this regulator is very intuitive,certainly also helped by the very good legibility of the dial.

The vertical satin finished dial changes strongly under various light situations : from silver grey to dark anthracite...and all shades of grey in between.

The case design is strong with hard angles,brushed surfaces and sharp lugs.This gives the watch a very modern look and is quite a departure from the traditional soft polished PP cases.

The movement is superb both in architecture and technical innovation.And it fills the case nicely!

Great traditional and very recognizable PP finishing : I like this micro-rotor!

The accuracy is extremely good : only 2-3 seconds per week !!

Thanks for looking,

Gerard

About the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Regulator Ref. 5235

The Patek Philippe reference 5235 Annual Calendar Regulator introduced a distinctive display format to the brand's annual calendar complication. This model features a regulator-style dial, separating the hours, minutes, and seconds into distinct subdials. The central hand indicates minutes, while the hours are displayed in a subdial at 12 o'clock and the running seconds in a subdial at 6 o'clock. This layout provides a clear, uncluttered presentation of time and calendar information, distinguishing it from other annual calendar offerings.

The watch is housed in an 18k white gold case measuring 40.5 mm in diameter and 10 mm in thickness. It is powered by the self-winding caliber 31-260 REG QA, a movement specifically developed for this regulator display. This movement provides a power reserve ranging from 38 to 48 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal on both the front and an exhibition case back, offering a view of the movement. It is water resistant to 30 meters.

First appearing in 2011, the 5235 appeals to collectors seeking a Patek Philippe annual calendar with a unique aesthetic. The regulator display, while historically rooted, offers a contemporary interpretation within the brand's complicated watch lineup. Its production run has seen it offered primarily in this white gold configuration, making it a consistent and recognizable piece for those who appreciate its specific technical and design characteristics.

Specifications

Caliber: 31-260 REG QA

Case: 18k White Gold

Diameter: 40.5 mm

Dial: Opaline silvery

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

A fellow owner of the 5235R identified a noticeable vertical brush mark on the dial, questioning if this is a common characteristic or a quality anomaly. They provided detailed images to illustrate the issue.
Another owner of the white gold 5235G, purchased new, inspected their dial closely and reported no similar brush marks, suggesting the issue might not be universal. They also emphasized the 5235's status as an advanced research watch and its superior regulator/annual calendar combination.
The 5235 is lauded for its movement, which incorporates the full silicium escapement 'Pulsomax,' a feature that even newer references like the 5236 do not possess, making the 5235 technically unique.
The 5235 is recognized for integrating elements from Patek Philippe's Advanced Research models, including the distinctive 'shadowed' Patek Philippe writing and the striped dial structure, similar to the inline calendar.
The rose gold 5235R is considered to have a significantly different and more attractive appeal compared to its white gold predecessor, with its grey dial and darker sub-registers enhancing its modern and refined look.

The Discussion

FabR

Jan 30, 2022

Sincere congrats Gerard on an excellent acquisition — a connoisseur’s piece as well as one of the most original offerings of Patek’s current catalog! A great-looking dial and movement that you have beautifully captured in these pictures!👍🥂Enjoy.

jlux

Jan 30, 2022

Thanks,Fabricio!

One of the rare watches that satifies me both aesthetically and intellectually.

FabR

Jan 30, 2022

Loving a watch that also satisfies us intellectually…a very interesting (and important) point!👍👍

jlux

Jan 30, 2022

Thanks,the subject is very photogenic.

ChetBaker

Jan 30, 2022