Patek Philippe Complicated Retrograde Perpetual Calendars
Reference Guide

Patek Philippe Complicated Retrograde Perpetual Calendars

By quattro · Jan 11, 2025 · 27 replies
quattro
WPS member · Patek Philippe forum
27 replies9561 views81 photos
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quattro, a respected voice in the WatchProSite community, continues his deep dive into Patek Philippe's most intricate timepieces. This installment focuses on the brand's 'complicated' retrograde perpetual calendars, specifically highlighting the Sky Moon Tourbillon and other highly embellished references. His meticulous breakdown offers invaluable insights into the design nuances and horological significance of these extraordinary watches.

Yesterday, I could and should have included the following references, which belong to Patek Philippe's "complicated" retrograde perpetual calendars:
  • The Sky Moon Tourbillon is a double-faced wristwatch with 12 complications: Minute repeater with “cathedral” gongs. Tourbillon. Front side: Perpetual calendar with retrograde date hand. Day, month, leap year in apertures. Hours and minutes of mean solar time. Moon phases. Reverse side: sidereal time, sky chart, phases and orbit of the moon.
  • The ref. 5103, 5104 & 5304 are "only" minute repeaters with a retrograde perpetual calendar, but they have a transparent sapphire disks display for the calendar and highly engraved cases.
So, it turns out to be a good thing that I left them aside because there's a lot to show here and these extravagant pieces deserve a separate post.

For the record, here are my previous threads concerning Patek Philippe's retrograde perpetual calendars:
Enjoy!


A/ SKY MOON TOURBILLON with caliber R TO 27 QR SID LU CL (note that the date is indicated by a retrograde hand sweeping over an arc between 2 and 10 o'clock, and not between 8 and 4 o'clock).

1/ Ref. 5001T (piece unique: specially commissioned variation of the ref. 5002 with titanium case (43x18mm) & bespoke ‘basket-weave’ (panier) dial, 2000)









credit: @simoncsfei (actual owner of the watch)



credit: @patekaholic



credit: hodinkee


2/ Ref. 5002 (introduced on 2000)

a/ White gold, ref. 5002G-001







credit: sjx


b/ Platinum, ref. 5002P-001



credit: @markkauzlarich









credit: quill & pad


c/ Rose gold (two different references: cf. below)

Ref. 5002R-001

















credit: sjx


Ref. 5002R-014 (unique bespoke version with black dial adorned with diamond indexes set in rose gold chatons, circa 2012)














credit: @simoncsfeir (actual owner of both watches)


d/ Yellow gold, ref. 5002J-001



credit: haute time


3/ Ref. 6002 (introduced in 2014)

Dimensions: 44 x 17,35 mm

a/ Ref. 6002G-001 (white gold blue dial)













credit: k2luxury


b/ Ref. 6002G-010 (white gold black dial)



credit: watchessyndrome




credit: @zachattack_25




credit: dailywatch







credit: @_buituan_


c/ Ref. 6002R-001 (rose gold brown dial)



credit: @oscar_officialwatches

























credit: k2luxury


B/ CALIBER R 27 PS QR LU

1/ Ref. 5103P (piece unique considered to be the 2004 prototype of ref. 5104, which was unveiled later in 2007)



credit: @patekaholic



credit: haute time







credit: christie’s


2/ Ref. 5104P-001 (mix of platinum & rose gold, introduced in 2007)





credit: phillips







credit: @_15_1_8_ 


3/ Ref. 5304R-001 (introduced in 2014 - Note that, unlike the previous versions, the date is indicated by a retrograde hand sweeping over an arc between 8 and 4 o'clock)



















credit: k2luxury 


4/ Ref. 5304/301R-001 (gem set version of the 5304R introduced in 2021)















credit: k2luxury 

About the IWC Big Pilot Ref. 5002

The Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon reference 5002 stands as a highly complex double-faced wristwatch within the brand's grand complication offerings. It integrates a significant array of functions, distinguishing it as a flagship model for collectors interested in horological complexity and traditional craftsmanship. The reference is notable for its comprehensive display of astronomical indications alongside traditional timekeeping and calendar functions.

This timepiece features a case crafted from precious metal, housing a manually wound movement. The watch is equipped with a sapphire crystal on both the front and reverse sides, allowing for observation of the intricate dials and the movement. Its substantial case dimensions accommodate the complex caliber, which includes a minute repeater and a tourbillon, alongside multiple calendar and astronomical displays.

As a grand complication, the reference 5002 appeals to collectors seeking Patek Philippe's highest level of mechanical artistry. Its dual-dial presentation and extensive complication set, including a perpetual calendar with retrograde date, sidereal time, and a sky chart, position it as a significant piece for those focused on technical achievement and the brand's heritage in complex watchmaking. The limited production and intricate nature contribute to its collector relevance.

Specifications

Caliber
R TO 27 QR SID LU CL
Case
Platinum
Diameter
42.8 mm
Dial
Blue
Water Resist.
25m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
MB
mblum3
Jan 11, 2025

The engraving, enamel work, engraving on the hands, an more. Even if you prefer simple, it's still amazing. My favorite is the 5002G. Seems like the thickness must be like wearing a tank (military, not Cartier) on your wrist. Many thanks for your threads, they're always great.

ZS
ZSHSZ
Jan 11, 2025

Great job, thank you!

QU
quattro
Jan 11, 2025

I personally like the "basket-weave" pattern of the bespoke 5001T very much and I like it better than the Calatrava cross motif of the 5002. As for the Roman numerals, I like both variants equally: either engraved on the larger bezel, like 5001T, or applied on the dial with a smaller bezel, like 5002. So I think my ideal model would be a mix of both references. And, as usual, I would probably be attracted to rose gold... The engravings of the 6002 are mind-blowing, but I find the brand name on t

GL
GLau
Jan 11, 2025

6002 because of the enamel dial and the engraving is superb ! Another excellent post my friend 👍

QU
quattro
Jan 11, 2025

Thanks for the kind words.

QU
quattro
Jan 11, 2025

but I find the brand name at the bottom of the dial too large and a bit 'agressive'. And I really dig the 'basket-weave' dial and case pattern of the 5001T... Thanks for the kind words!

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