The Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Regulator is a watch that stands out from the collection of timepieces offered by the manufacture due to its design and dial layout.

When the ref. 5235G was introduced in 2011, it was the first time that Patek Philippe had produced a regulator-style wristwatch with the hours in a subdial at 12 o’clock, the seconds at 6 o’clock and a sweeping minutes on the center dial. On top of that, Patek Philippe fitted an annual calendar mechanism and powered the watch with the high tech 31-260 REG QA calibre. The movement is a technical milestone for the brand and packs the Silinvar technology combined with a Spiromax balance spring, Pulsomax escapement and the Gyromax balance; all straight out of Patek Philippe’s Advanced Research Division.

For 2019, the manufacture has decided to revisit this eight-year-old reference by introducing the Ref. 5235R in a rose gold case, with a two-tone graphite and ebony black dial and vertical satin brush finish.

The watch retains the 40.5mm case dimension of its predecessor, and the 10mm slim profile that make the watch ideal for casual or formal wear. Visually, the sharp edges of the lugs give the case a pleasant yet aggressive look and the warmth of the rose gold contrasts perfectly with the darker dial colour. You could say that this new version of the Ref. 5235 is the total opposite of its white gold sibling, and a welcome update to the timepiece.