In 2021, Patek Philippe unveiled a new perpetual calendar with day, date and month indications in a large single 12 o’clock aperture. This Grand Complication was launched in a platinum case framing a blue dial with a black-gradient rim featuring a fine vertical satin finish (5236P-001). The Manufacture now revisits this model with a vintage-inspired opaline rose-gilt dial enhanced by charcoal gray white gold applied hour-markers and faceted baton-type hands.
The integration of an in-line perpetual calendar into a wristwatch represented a technical feat in terms of miniaturization. So as to combine originality, legibility and reliability, the Manufacture developed ultra-thin self-winding 31-260 PS QL caliber, equipped with an additional module for which three patents have been granted. The in-line display system alone – involving four disks aligned on the same plane (including two for the date) – required the addition of 118 components. It is complemented by two round apertures for the leap-year cycle and day/ night indication, as well as a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock with moon phases. The mini-rotor’s winding power has been enhanced by the use of platinum, a metal with a higher density than the 22K gold normally used for Patek Philippe mini-rotors. The movement is visible through a sapphire crystal case-back (interchangeable with a solid platinum case-back).
The elegant platinum case measuring 41.3 mm in diameter and only 11.07 mm thick is entirely hand-polished and set with a diamond at 6 o’clock. Its sloping lugs extend the visual momentum of the beveled bezel.
The dial is beautifully matched by the shiny chocolate-brown alligator leather strap with platinum fold-over clasp. The new Reference 5236P-010 joins the current collection’s Reference 5236P-001 featuring a blue dial with a black-gradient rim.
