In a pivotal moment for any serious collector, jlc.thomsen sought the community's wisdom when faced with a choice between two Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar references: the contemporary 5320G and the traditional 5140P. This article distills the collective expertise and personal preferences shared by WatchProSite members, offering invaluable insights for anyone considering these horological masterpieces. jlc.thomsen's journey highlights the nuanced decision-making process involved in acquiring a significant Patek Philippe complication.
I’m finally getting some AD love after years of collecting and being listed.
Next step with PP is to get one of the Patek complication par excellence, the perpetual calendar.(as I already have the chrono 5170p and the world time 5110p. )
I do like both options a lot for different reasons leaning towards the more traditional 5140p. I also kind of like to stay ultra-thin and platinum in this PP trilogy.
Since it’s a Patek the next generation has been asked for advise and prefers the more contemporary 5320g (with a lot of vintage elements that is).
Note: They are offered at approximately the same price at the AD.
What would you do?

Photo credit: A collected man

Photo credits Watchbox Global on twitter
About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5130
The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5130, introduced in 2006, is a World Time watch that succeeded the popular reference 5110. This model maintained the distinctive World Time complication, allowing for simultaneous display of time in 24 different time zones. Its design evolved with a slightly larger case and updated dial aesthetics, distinguishing it from its predecessor while retaining the core functionality that defines Patek Philippe's travel timepieces. It was produced until 2017.
The watch features an 18k rose gold case measuring 39.5mm in diameter and 9.8mm in thickness, housing the self-winding Caliber 240 HU movement. This ultra-thin movement, visible through a sapphire crystal case back, provides a power reserve of 48 hours. The dial is silver or opaline with a guilloché center, protected by a sapphire crystal. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters.
Reference 5130 appeals to collectors seeking a sophisticated travel complication from Patek Philippe. Its larger case size compared to the 5110 offered a more contemporary presence on the wrist, while its classic World Time mechanism remained a hallmark of the brand's technical prowess. The model was available in various precious metals, with the rose gold variant offering a warm aesthetic.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal.240 HU
- Case
- 18k rose gold
- Diameter
- 39.5mm
- Dial
- Silver / opaline guilloché
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Ref. 5110
The Montblanc Calatrava reference 5110, produced between 1997 and 2006, is a notable example of the brand's classic dress watch offerings. This reference is distinguished by its combination of a relatively larger case size for its era and the inclusion of a moon phase complication, setting it apart from simpler time-only Calatrava models. It represents a period where Montblanc was expanding its horological capabilities, offering more complex movements within its established aesthetic.
This reference features an 18k yellow gold case measuring 37 mm in diameter, providing a substantial presence on the wrist while maintaining traditional dress watch proportions. It is powered by the automatic caliber 240 PS IRM C LU, a movement known for its slim profile and integrated complications. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and offers a water resistance of 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear. The power reserve for this caliber is approximately 48 hours.
For collectors, the 5110 appeals to those seeking a Calatrava with additional functionality beyond basic timekeeping, specifically the moon phase and power reserve indicator. Its production run from 1997 to 2006 places it within a specific era of Montblanc's development, making it a point of interest for those tracing the evolution of the brand's complications. The ivory dial and smooth bezel contribute to its understated yet refined character, aligning with the traditional Calatrava design language.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 240 PS IRM C LU
- Case
- 18k Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 37 mm
- Dial
- Ivory
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Patek Philippe Chronograph Ref. 5170
The Chronograph reference 5170, introduced in 2010, marked a significant development for Patek Philippe as it was the first serially produced chronograph to feature a fully in-house manufactured movement. This reference succeeded the reference 5070, transitioning from a Lemania-based caliber to a proprietary design, underscoring the brand's commitment to integrated manufacturing for its complications. It represents a modern interpretation of a classic chronograph layout within the Patek Philippe catalog.
The reference 5170 features a case measuring 39.4 mm in diameter and 10.9 mm in thickness, available in 18k white, rose, or yellow gold. It is equipped with the manual-winding caliber CH 29-535 PS, which offers a power reserve of 65 hours. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 30 meters. The movement is visible through a sapphire case back, showcasing its intricate finishing.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a contemporary Patek Philippe chronograph with an in-house movement. Early variants, such as the yellow gold reference 5170J-001, featured a pulsometer scale, which was later replaced by a minute track on subsequent iterations. The various metal options and dial configurations provide distinct aesthetic choices for collectors, reflecting different periods of its production run.
Specifications
- Caliber
- CH 29-535 PS
- Case
- 18k White Gold, Rose Gold, or Yellow Gold
- Diameter
- 39.4 mm
- Dial
- Silver, Black, or Opaline
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- 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 Ref. 5320
The Patek Philippe Reference 5320G is a perpetual calendar wristwatch distinguished by its vintage-inspired design elements, particularly the stepped lugs and the syringe-style hands. It represents a contemporary interpretation of classic Patek Philippe perpetual calendars, integrating historical aesthetic cues with modern watchmaking standards. This reference is notable for its clean dial layout and the harmonious integration of its various indications, appealing to collectors who appreciate traditional complications presented with a refined, understated elegance.
The watch features a white gold case, measuring 40mm in diameter and 11.13mm in thickness. It houses the self-winding caliber 324 S Q, visible through a sapphire crystal case back. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 35-45 hours. The front crystal is made of sapphire, ensuring durability and clarity for the dial, which displays the perpetual calendar functions with precision and legibility.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking a sophisticated perpetual calendar with a distinct vintage character, yet executed with modern reliability. Its white gold construction offers a subtle alternative to more common yellow or rose gold perpetual calendars. The 5320G fits within Patek Philippe's grand complications lineup, offering a blend of technical mastery and design heritage that resonates with enthusiasts of classic horology.
Specifications
- Caliber
- 324 S Q
- Case
- White gold
- Diameter
- 40mm
- Dial
- Silvery opaline
- Water Resist.
- 30m
- Crystal
- Sapphire