Hello everyone. This is Abe.
The rainy season has already arrived in the Kansai region, but it is finally here in the Kanto-Koshinetsu region. The humid days will continue, but let's do our best and look forward to the summer ahead.
By the way, here's a little bit of trivia: "vintage" or "antique" watches do not have the same excellent waterproofing as modern watches, so it's best to avoid wearing them on rainy days. You might think they're fine as long as they don't get wet, but moisture can cause them to break, so try to avoid it as much as possible.
Well, I've started writing about annual calendars, but it seems like I can't see the end... (laughs) But, there are still many models and functions I would like to tell you about, so I hope you will continue reading without getting bored.
2010 "Ref.5205" 2018 "Ref.5205G-013"
The "Ref. 5205" debuted in 2010 as an "Annual Calendar" model.
*Ref.5205R-010
The watch was available in WG (white gold) and RG (rose gold) cases, and initially had four different dial variations. The WG case is a very distinctive model with a two-tone dial.
*Ref.5205G-013
Then, in 2018, a new model, the Ref. 5205G-013, was released with a blue-black gradient dial. To digress a bit, the design of the three unique calendar windows arranged in an arc at the top of the dial is the complete opposite of Patek Philippe's previous designs that valued classics and tradition, and originated from the Ref. 5135, a tonneau-shaped model commonly known as the Calendario, released in 2004.
An incredible model with three windows
Here are some of the most amazing models with three windows. First up is the Ref. 5207, which was released in 2008 and features a perpetual calendar, tourbillon and minute repeater.
*Ref.5207G-001 (2018 model)
Minute repeater, tourbillon, instantaneous perpetual calendar and a minute repeater with two gongs activated by a slide piece integrated into the case.
Three years later, in 2011, this design was also adopted for the "Ref. 5208," which can be called an ultra-grand complication.
*Ref.5208R-001 (2018 model)
The case structure is two-piece, but it is very unusual with its wide, inverted bezel and the lugs that look hollowed out when viewed from the side.
The previous president, Philippe Stern, was seen as placing a strong emphasis on classical design, but the current president, Thierry Stern, seems to have created many models with designs that incorporate a more "modern essence."
Other models with an annual calendar
Reference 5960 Series
From here, I would like to talk a little about the annual calendar chronograph "Ref. 5960".
*Ref.5960P-001
First of all, the background to this innovative design is the debut of the groundbreaking automatic chronograph caliber "Cal. CH28-520" announced in 2006. It is no exaggeration to say that the innovative design, which had never been seen in Patek Philippe before, was due to this high-performance movement.
*Ref.5960P-016
To be honest, I remember that I couldn't hide my confusion at the time. That's how impactful it was. After that, other brands also adopted the vertical clutch system, equipped it with a flyback function, coaxially placed both the hour and minute counters at the 6 o'clock position, and equipped it with an "annual calendar," a practical complex mechanism. I think that it can be summed up in one word: Patek Philippe.
Initially released with a platinum case and alligator strap, various additional dials were released afterwards, but production was discontinued in 2014. However, at the new product launch in Basel in the same year, the "Ref. 5960/1A-001" with a practical stainless steel case and bracelet and a white dial was surprisingly announced.
*Ref.5960/1A-001
The sporty dial and hand combination, and the adoption of a drop-link bracelet, the first for a stainless steel model, were a hot topic at the time.
In 2017, the end of production of the white dial was announced, and the black dial "Ref. 5960/1A-010" was introduced instead. This was discontinued the following year, and there are far fewer watches in circulation today compared to the white dial. Also, in the same year, the "Ref. 5960/01G-001" was released, with a combination of a WG case, blue dial, and calf strap reminiscent of a pilot watch.
*Ref.5960/01G-001
Personally, I really like this model and would like to try it out secretly.
Our store has a long history of trading "5960".
Regulator Annual Calendar
Finally, let's talk about "Ref. 5235G-001".
*Ref.5235G-001
Released in 2011, this watch is an "annual calendar" with a regulator display, so initially there were very few units in stock, and many stores on the market were selling it at a premium price.
Currently, the price on the market is relatively reasonable, but I think you can see Patek Philippe's attention to detail and the effort that went into making it. I think it's a design that divides people, but it's one of my personal favorites.
summary
What did you all think? There are still other models equipped with an annual calendar that I haven't introduced yet, but I'll end the story here for now. The rest is on the web! Or rather, "in the store!!" (laughs)
Well, we've been seeing a lot of Patek Philippe watches lately, so please come and visit our store.