[2023 Edition] Mechanical Watches "Top 5 Recommended Annual Calendars"

Today we will be sending you the 2023 edition of our top 5 recommended mechanical wristwatch models with an annual calendar .

An annual calendar is a mechanism that only requires a calendar correction once a year, as the word "annual" means once a year . With a normal calendar mechanism, you have to correct the date yourself for months with up to 30 days (February, April, June, September, November), but with an annual calendar, the date is automatically determined to be 30 or 31 days and advanced, so you only need to manually adjust it at the end of February , when there are less than 30 days. Of course, not only is it highly convenient, but the gorgeous dial design that is appropriate for this complex mechanism is also one of its attractions. The layout is well-balanced to display the date, month, day of the week, time, etc. on the dial, and can be summed up in one word: beautiful.

So, this time, we would like to introduce five carefully selected recommended models equipped with an annual calendar, focusing on their design! We hope you will enjoy reading until the end.

*This price is based on our store's selling prices as of April 2023.

① [Rolex][Rolex] The 2017 model "Sky-Dweller" Ref. 326934 is the first to feature an annual calendar.

It adopts an innovative system that allows you to adjust the time, GMT display, and calendar by rotating the fluted bezel with a bidirectional rotating ring command in four stages. This was made possible by the fully in-house movement "Cal.9001". It is still fresh in your memory that it underwent a model change at "Watches and Wonders Geneva" held in 2023 and evolved into "Cal.9002". There are two types of bracelet, so if you prefer a dressy atmosphere, we recommend the "Jubilee bracelet", and if you prefer a sporty look, we recommend the "Oyster bracelet". It is a popular watch that has a premium price due to its design and low distribution, while being practical.

Estimated budget: Around 3,300,000 yen (blue dial, oyster bracelet)

Estimated budget: Around 3,400,000 yen (blue dial, Jubilee bracelet)

② [A. Lange & Söhne] "Saxonia Annual Calendar" "Ref. 330.026E"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/a-lange_and_sohne/saxonia-annual-calendar-168439/

The Saxonia Annual Calendar, Ref. 330.026E, was A. Lange & Söhne's first model equipped with an annual calendar, announced at SIHH in 2010.

The 38.5mm 18KWG (white gold) case and the blue steel hands on the silver dial create an elegant and refreshing design. The double disc oversized date, month, day of the week, and moon phase are beautifully balanced on the dial, and all of these can be easily adjusted with the adjustment pushers. The see-through back allows you to enjoy the beautifully hand-engraved movement " Cal.L085.1 ", making this a watch that can be enjoyed from both the front and back.

Estimated budget: around 6,000,000 yen

3. [Patek Philippe] "Nautilus Annual Calendar" "Ref. 5726/1A-014"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/nautilus/nautilus-274318/

The "Ref. 5726/1A-014" was introduced at Baselworld 2019 following the discontinuation of the black dial "Ref. 5726/1A-001" and the white dial "Ref. 5726/1A-010."

The beautiful blue-black gradation dial has a well-balanced arrangement of the day and month display at the 12 o'clock position, the date display at the 6 o'clock position, and the 24-hour display and moon phase that are linked to the hour and minute hands. From the see-through back, you can see the beautifully finished in-house developed and manufactured movement "Cal.324 S QA LU 24H". Of course, it is an expensive product, but considering the rising prices of the Nautilus three-hand model, it is one that I would recommend as an item to aim for.

● Estimated budget: around 16,000,000 yen

④ [Patek Philippe] "Annual Calendar" "Ref. 5036/1G"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/annual-calendar-29/

The "Ref. 5036/1G" was released in 1998 and is the successor to the "Ref. 5035," the world's first watch to feature an annual calendar mechanism .

The previous model, Ref. 5035, which was released in 1996, won the Watch of the Year award in the same year. The Ref. 5036/1G introduced this time has been changed from an alligator strap to a bracelet, and the dial layout has also been boldly changed, with the power reserve display at 12 o'clock and the moon phase and brand name at 6 o'clock. (The Ref. 5035 has the brand name at 12 o'clock and the 24-hour display at 6 o'clock.) This is an attractive watch that is packed with the best of Patek Philippe's technical and design capabilities, with an annual calendar mechanism perfectly laid out in a slightly small 37mm case.

● Estimated budget: around 5,000,000 yen

⑤ [Patek Philippe] "Annual Calendar" "Ref. 5396R-001"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/annual-calendar-moon-phases-298682/

The last model we would like to introduce is the "Annual Calendar" model "Ref. 5396R-001" released in 2006, which is equipped with the "sector dial (triple circle)" that was used until around the 1950s.

The double guiche (two small windows lined up at the 12 o'clock position) design was previously only featured on "Grand Complication" models, but with the "Ref. 5396" it has also been featured on "Complication" models. This "Ref. 5396" was discontinued in 2010, four years later, and the dial was changed to a classic dolphin hand x bar index, so it can be said to be one of the few "Annual Calendars" that strongly inherited the tradition of [Patek Philippe]. This watch has a refreshing and beautiful combination of silver dial x 18KRG (rose gold), and is full of recommended points such as good design and rarity.

● Estimated budget: around 4,600,000 yen

summary

What did you think.

This time, we have selected models ranging from popular to connoisseur-friendly, focusing on Patek Philippe. This is because Patek Philippe was the first brand to release an annual calendar, and they have many models that are outstanding in terms of their perfection and design!

If you are interested in "Annual Calendars", you may be worried about which model to choose, but our store has knowledgeable staff on hand to give you advice based on design, functionality, budget, etc., so please feel free to consult us.

Once again, I hope this article helps you find your favorite one.

see you!