The Annual Calendar is a complication invented by .
While it plays second string to the Perpetual Calendar in the minds of most collectors, the reality is that the construction of the calendar mechanism is equally challenging and in some cases requires even more components.
The Reference 5035 was Patek's first Annual Calendar model launched in 1996, and set the bar for all that followed — including those from competitors.
This particular example, a 5205G, is a successor to the 5035 with a bit of additional refinements. Coming in at 40mm in diameter, this piece features a lovely solid 18K white gold case with hollowed lugs; a polished, concave bezel; signed crown; sapphire crystal; a sunburst blue 'sector' dial with day, date, month, and moonphase apertures; applied faceted 'baton' indices and a matching 'dauphine' handset.
Fitted to a signed black alligator leather strap with a signed white gold pin buckle, this piece is powered by Patek Philippe's automatic winding Calibre 324 S QA LU 24HR movement, thankfully visible via a sapphire exhibition caseback.
Accompanied by a suite of factory goodies, this piece packs pedigree, refinement, function and outstanding craftsmanship that can only be expected from the best watch manucfature in the world.
Any old wristwatch can tell the time. Few truly define it.