Comments:
It going all the way back to the 1950s 2497 and 2438. Like the 5396, the 2497/2438 have a traditional case style and sweep seconds and day/month windows at 12. 3448/3450 continue the day/month windows at 12, but the case style is very different and one might say more modern. Also there is no seconds hand. The 5050 revived the sweep seconds hand but the day/date windows moved from 12 to 3 and 9.
A pic of my 5396G-014…
I love the Breguet numerals and sunburst dial. To me, this watch is a diversion from Patek’s traditional DNA.
Indeed. I love the pic, and the breguet numerals paired with dauphine hands. And of course, the moonphase completes the whole package. ⏱
This attractive spec(the breguet numerals paired with dauphine hands) was only produced for a short time, so I think it's a valuable combination. The gray dial is gorgeous, but it's surprisingly difficult to read the time.
Good to know - and yes it’s unique. Interesting comment about legibility, i always thought the sharp pointed hand would make it easy to read
TO me, it's totally on Patek's DNA...
The 5396 was inspired by the old perpetual calendars such as the 3450 and 3448.
A well designed and functional timepiece you have !
The Annual Calendar function was invented by Patek and therefore in this respect the watch has the brand’s DNA. The updating of the reference to using Brequet numerals instead of stick hour markets gave the dial a new feel 👍
Congratulations on owning the beautiful 5396 with the relatively rare and exceptional Breguet dial! As far as Patek DNA, I think 5396 is dripping with
It going all the way back to the 1950s 2497 and 2438. Like the 5396, the 2497/2438 have a traditional case style and sweep seconds and day/month windows at 12. 3448/3450 continue the day/month windows at 12, but the case style is very different and one might say more modern. Also there is no seconds hand. The 5050 revived the sweep seconds hand but the day/date windows moved from 12 to 3 and 9.
Any 2497 is quite rare. The great majority came in YG with some in RG. White and platinum are uber rare. Also, in general the hour markers were baton not Breguet. The unique watch pictured in my reply is regarded by many as one of the top 5 vintage watches in Patek history.
So, 5396 was a game changer and for me, especially considering the complication and price it is one of Patek’s best modern watches and filled with Patek DNA. Enjoy your wonderful watch and again congratulations!
Thanks Patekova for such a great reply informing us of the
Patek DNA in this piece ! Great that you share your knowledge and passion with us ! 
I stand corrected…
Thank you for the Patek history lesson and picture. I did not know this piece had historical precedent.
My pleasure. I will go on step further. If I could have only one Patek and didn’t want to go crazy price wise, my choice would be 5396G!
And a large part of the reason is its classical style blended with an exceptionally beautiful element of modernism.