A New Annual Calendar with a Blue-Black Gradation Dial | PATEK PHILIPPE

PATEK PHILIPPE

A nuanced hue, like fountain pen ink,
expressed on the dial using PVD technology.

The Annual Calendar 5205 model, which indicates the day of the week, date, and month through three display windows. In 2018, its 18KWG version is newly equipped with a blue-black gradation dial. Consequently, the grey-dial and black-dial 18KWG case Annual Calendar models will be discontinued.

Text by TSUCHIDA Takashi(OPENERS)

This is Patek Philippe's pursuit of even greater heights.

The blue-black gradation dial, which deepens in color towards the outside, creates a clear color contrast with the 18KWG. It offers an atmosphere that could not be achieved with previous lacquer dials.

And its effect is best paired with 18KWG. This is because it further enhances the pure white brilliance. It is likely for this reason that Patek Philippe has decided to focus the 18KWG models on this single reference.

While the 18KWG version of the Annual Calendar previously had a somewhat understated impression, it is different from this year onwards. It has transformed into a model where its sparkle enhances its presence.

Of course, we are not negating the existing models, but Patek Philippe's philosophy is to shift towards offering what is better, if it can be provided.

Now, the Annual Calendar is a mechanism that automatically distinguishes between months with 30 and 31 days, but only requires date adjustment on March 1st. It is, in a sense, a junior version of the perpetual calendar, but by not having the mechanism determine the month of February (or leap years), the mechanism is simplified. Its resistance to malfunction has highlighted its aspect as a "complication that can be used in daily life," making it a popular model.

While other brands now also offer Annual Calendars, Patek Philippe is credited with the popularity of the Annual Calendar. This is because Patek Philippe has focused its efforts on developing Annual Calendar models. Among them, the Ref. 5205 series is practical as it clearly displays the calendar with three windows. Furthermore, it retains its classical appearance, which I find appealing.

And this blue-black gradation dial also pairs well with the navy of the moon phase disk. It's sharp without being overly sweet. With a white, blue, and black coordination, it's impossible for it not to match.

This moon phase is highly accurate, allowing for only one day of error in 122 years. Beyond this point, the discussion becomes more technical, but it essentially means it's "not just for show." The pride of a champion lies in pursuing precision and accuracy, not just poetic expression.

There are two adjustment buttons above and below the crown. Similarly, there are two adjustment buttons on the left side of the case, allowing for calendar and moon phase adjustments with a total of four buttons. The ability to quickly adjust the watch even after it has been stored for a while is, in fact, a must-have function. Additionally, modern details such as hollowed-out lugs to lighten the case are incorporated.