The Patek Philippe Reference 5396 Annual Calendar, introduced in 2006, marked a significant evolution of the brand’s annual calendar complication. It combines a classic Calatrava-style case with a pioneering twin in-line display for the day and month. This design, which pays homage to the aesthetic of Patek’s early perpetual calendars, was launched to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the brand’s original annual calendar patent.

A key innovation lies in the double, in-line apertures for the day and month — a design element reminiscent of earlier perpetual calendars such as references 1526, 3448, and 3450, some of the most beautiful wristwatches ever produced by the manufacture.

The use of the timeless Calatrava-style case lends the watch an effortlessly elegant, enduring appeal. In this example, it is crafted in rose gold, measuring 38.5 mm in diameter, with four discreet correctors on the case sides for adjusting the calendar functions and a display case back to admire the automatic wound movement.

The dial layout of the Annual Calendar is remarkably well-balanced, open, and visually refined. All key indications are aligned along the 12-to-6 axis, leaving generous breathing space for a harmonious, airy design. This edition features faceted applied hour markers with pointed tips, paired with Patek Philippe’s signature double-dot minute track. Set against a cream-silver dial, these details create beautiful reflections and a sense of depth.

At 6 o’clock, the watch retains a sub-dial combining a moon-phase display and a 24-hour indicator. Meanwhile, the traditional sub-dials for the day and month are replaced by crisp, double-window apertures that offer a clear and instantaneous read, reducing clutter and enhancing symmetry. Finally, the day and month windows positioned at 12 o’clock evoke the charm of vintage triple calendars and certain perpetual calendars from Patek Philippe’s storied past.The hands are superb finished dauphine type giving it a masculine yet elegant look.

The watch is paired with an original used Patek Philippe leathers trap with its original 18 k rose gold folding clasp with the iconic Calatrava cross.

This fine watch is powered by the calibre 324, a self-winding engine with a 21k gold central-rotor and has been fully checked and regulated by our watch maker.We have requested an extract of the archives of Patek for this watch !

Specifications:

Patek Philippe Annual calendar reference 5396R
Movement no 5601549- dating to 2011
38.5 mm 18 k red gold case
Opaline silver dial with apertures for day and month , moon phase sub dial with date
Dauphine hands
Display case back
Automatic cal 324 S QA LU 24H
Patek Philippe leather watch strap
18 k red gold Patek Philippe Calatrava cross folding clasp
Fully checked and regulated by our watch maker
Requested an extract of the archives
One-year mechanical warranty
Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping

Patek Philippe Annual calendar in 18 k rose gold ref 5396R

Patek Philippe Annual calendar in 18 k rose gold ref 5396R

Before/after