Patek Philippe 5396R-012 Annual Calendar Debate
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Patek Philippe 5396R-012 Annual Calendar Debate

By frequentglobetrotter · Feb 18, 2017 · 18 replies
frequentglobetrotter
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
18 replies11649 views1 photos
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Dear all, I have been considering the purchase of a Patek Philippe 5396R-012. The principal questions overhanging my decision on this timepiece are both aesthetic and linked to one another; In electing to include a 24 hour indicator, Patek Philippe was not able to utilise what I believe is the more

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Dear all,

I have been considering the purchase of a Patek Philippe 5396R-012. The principal questions overhanging my decision on this timepiece are both aesthetic and linked to one another;

  1. In electing to include a 24 hour indicator, Patek Philippe was not able to utilise what I believe is the more pleasing visual execution of the date being included around the moonphase sub dial. The adopted placement of the date wheel is somewhat jarring, as has been remarked by many on this forum previously. 
  2. The placement of the moon phase sub dial means that the points of the hour and minute hand overlap the 24th hour indicator. This is something that I find visually unappealing and, now that I have noticed it, hard to remove from 'my mind's eye', given the somewhat central location of the deficiency.
I would very much welcome the forum participants' thoughts on this timepiece and on suitable alternatives (within or outside of the Patek Philippe range) that I should review as competitors.

Thank you!





Patek Philippe 5396R-012

About the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Ref. 5396

Patek Philippe Reference 5396

The Reference 5396 represents Patek Philippe's annual calendar offering within the Annual Calendar with Moon Phase series. This 38.5mm reference provides the annual calendar complication combined with moon phase indication, positioning it as a complex calendar watch that requires manual correction only once per year in February.

The watch features an 18k white gold case measuring 38.5mm in diameter with a smooth bezel and sapphire crystal. The automatic Caliber 324 S IRM QA LU provides 45 hours of power reserve. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters, and the watch is fitted with a leather strap.

In production since 2006, the Reference 5396 appeals to collectors seeking Patek Philippe's annual calendar complication in white gold. The 38.5mm case size offers contemporary wearability while the moon phase adds visual interest to the calendar display. This reference serves collectors prioritizing complicated timepieces with practical daily calendar functions.

Specifications

Caliber
324 S IRM QA LU
Case
18k White Gold
Diameter
38.5 mm
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire
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The Discussion
DR
dr.kol
Feb 18, 2017
Clearly you do not like the watch enough to buy it.

So simply forget it without making the issue complicated. My favourite AC (plus chronograph) is 5960/1A. On the second place is 5960P, then 5450P. Because 5450P might be difficult to locate at least with reasonable amount of money, have a looks at 5146. That is available in all three golds plus platinum. Best, Kari

BE
beejo
Feb 18, 2017
Where does the 5905P stands.

I loved this watch as soon as I saw it for the first time and I still do,But the 5960 won. A very close friend just bought the same watch in the photo about,It\'s nice but I have to say it lacks something.I had the feeling that it started it\'s life as a Calatrava and then they started adding complications over. I vote for 5960 steel or platinum. Best, Ahmed

DR
dr.kol
Feb 18, 2017
I bought 5905P

but 5960P was the winner in my books. Just a matter of taste. Best, Kari

PA
Patekphilippecollector
Feb 18, 2017
I don't think the date on a subdials is particularly easy to read and prefer

In a window. The 24 hour indicator is a "so what" and on,u useful when setting the time. You would probably prefer the 5146

MA
Mark in Paris
Feb 18, 2017
5396

Well, this is a very personal issue. Some people have problems with window dates, cut numerals, luminova, fonts type or size etc... And some don't. We all have our tastes on that matter. Personally, I like the 5X96 family very much, a lot of discretion and a timeless and pure style. Looking at a watch live and and picture are 2 very different things. That's why a watch should always be judged on the wrist before making a conclusion. I tried this 5396 (pictures below) and this is absolutely not a

OU
Ouroboros
Feb 19, 2017
The 5960R also came with a black dial.

It was introduced in 2012 and discontinued two years later.

Available on the marketplace

Patek Philippe 5396R-015 Annual Calendar Moonphase Blue Sunburst "Bleu Soleil"
74,895 USD
Pre-owned - Excellent · US
View all Patek Philippe on the marketplace →Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5396 18k Rose Gold Diamond Watch B/P '24 5396R
69,588 USD
Pre-owned - Excellent · US
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar 5396G-017 18K WG B&P 2024 Complications
62,900 USD
Pre-owned - Excellent · US
Patek Philippe Complications 5396R-015 Annual Calendar Rose Gold Blue Dial
62,500 USD
Pre-owned - Excellent · US

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