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

Today we will be sending you the 2023 edition of our "Top 5 Recommended Perpetual Calendar Mechanical Watches" .

As the word "perpetual" implies, a perpetual calendar is a mechanism that does not require date adjustment. I say "basically" because adjustment is required once every 100 years, which is due to the difference between the Julian calendar (the calendar used in perpetual calendars) and the Gregorian calendar (the calendar used in most countries today). However, it is a high-quality watch that only needs to be adjusted once in a lifetime, so it is still a complex mechanism that can only be manufactured by brands with technical capabilities. By the way, there is also the ultimate watch called a "secular calendar" that is fully compatible with the Gregorian calendar and does not require date adjustment forever, but I would like to talk about that on another occasion.

So, this time, for those who are interested in perpetual calendars, we would like to introduce five carefully selected models that we recommend! Please enjoy until the end.

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

① [Patek Philippe] "Perpetual Calendar" "Ref. 5320G-001"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/perpetual-calender-263593/

The "Ref. 5320G", released in 2017, was inspired by the "Ref. 3448", the world's first automatic winding "perpetual calendar mechanism" model, which was released in 1962.

The calm cream dial is lacquered but has the transparency of enamel, and the mariner-type hands and Arabic numerals give it a vintage feel. The lug shape is also distinctive, with the triple step lugs often seen in older models. This is a watch we highly recommend to those looking for a relatively simple, vintage-inspired model among perpetual calendars.

● Estimated budget: around 8,000,000 yen

② [Patek Philippe] "Perpetual Calendar" "Ref. 5327R-001"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/perpetual-calendar-219217/

The "Ref. 5327" was announced at Baselworld in 2016 as the successor model to the "Ref. 5140".

The lacquered ivory dial features sophisticated leaf hands and a simple, stripped-down design. The case size has been increased from 37.2mm in the previous model to 39mm, and the index has been changed from bar type to Breguet numerals. The movement is the thin Cal.240Q, which is only 3.88mm thick and has been around for over 30 years, and you can view this complete movement from the case back. The Ref.5327 is available in two versions : the Ref.5327G-001 in 18KWG (white gold) with a blue dial, and the Ref.5327J-001 in 18KYG (yellow gold) with an ivory dial, which was discontinued in 2020. Choose the one that suits your taste .

● Estimated budget: around 8,000,000 yen

➂ [A. Lange & Söhne] "Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar" "Ref. 345.033"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/a-lange_and_sohne/lange1-32/

The Lange 1 Perpetual Calendar, Ref. 345.033, was released in 2021 as the second model of the Lange 1 equipped with a perpetual calendar mechanism.

Unlike previous models with a perpetual calendar mechanism (Datograph, Rattrapante, etc.), which had the month displayed on the subdial, this model displays the month on the outer periphery, so the dial has a beautiful golden ratio, but the layout has been updated. The leap year indicator at 6 o'clock and the retrograde day of the week indicator at 8-10 o'clock make this a very practical watch. The movement is Cal.L021.3, which adds a perpetual calendar mechanism to the automatic Cal.L021.1, and the beauty of the finish can be seen through the see-through back. This is a watch that we highly recommend to anyone looking for the beauty and practicality unique to the Lange 1.

Estimated budget: around 9,500,000 yen

④ [Audemars Piguet] "Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar" "Ref. 26615TI.OO.1220TI.01"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/audemars_piguet/royal-oak/royal-oak-295324/

The rare Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "Ref. 26615TI.OO.1220TI.01" was pre-sold in Japan in December 2020, and is limited to 300 pieces worldwide.

Not only does this watch have a popular salmon dial, but it also has a beautiful layout with a week display on the outer periphery, a month and leap year display at 12 o'clock, a date display at 3 o'clock, a moon phase at 6 o'clock, and a day display at 9 o'clock. It is equipped with a beautifully finished automatic movement, Cal. 5134, which was completed by brushing up Cal. 2120, and can be viewed from the case back. This is an attractive watch that allows you to get a glimpse of Audemars Piguet's technical capabilities with a perfect layout of a perpetual calendar mechanism that can be experienced from both the front and back.

●Estimated budget: around 22,000,000 yen

⑤ [Patek Philippe] "Perpetual Calendar Advanced Research" "Ref. 5550P-001"

*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/patek_philippe/patek-philippe-other/perpetual-calendar-261448/

The last watch we would like to introduce is the Perpetual Calendar Advanced Research "Ref. 5550P-001," which was released in 2011 in a limited run of 300 pieces.

"Advanced Research" refers to the initiative itself, which aims to conduct advanced research and studies, and to have customers who understand the purpose use models that incorporate innovative materials and technologies, and then provide feedback to regular models. The model introduced this time is equipped with the movement "Cal.240 Q Si" that incorporates the latest technology called " Oscillomax®", and the power reserve of the base movement "Cal.240" was about 48 hours, but it has made a dramatic evolution to about 70 hours. It is becoming an auction piece, and the price is out of reach for many, but it might be fun to choose a timepiece that combines design, asset value, and rarity like this.

● Estimated budget: 20,000,000 yen and up

summary

What did you think.

Perpetual calendars are often equipped with chronographs and other features. Although the form varies from brand to brand, the technical capabilities, high design quality, and overall perfection of these watches are all overwhelming. And once you wear one, you will be able to experience its splendor, so if you are interested, please feel free to contact us.

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

see you!