Introduction
When Patek Philippe introduced the ref. 5035 in 1996, it brought an entirely new complication to the wristwatch: the annual calendar. Positioned between a conventional complete calendar and the considerably more complex perpetual calendar, the patented mechanism automatically accounts for months containing 30 or 31 days, requiring manual correction only once each year at the end of February. The achievement was recognised with the Mechanical Watch Prize at the 1996 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève and established the annual calendar as an important new pillar within Patek Philippe’s collection.
The ref. 5035 presents that innovation in a remarkably restrained form. This rose gold ref. 5035R measures just 37mm and pairs its stepped bezel and classically proportioned case with a silver dial featuring applied Roman numerals. Separate displays indicate the day and month, while the date appears at 6 o’clock and a subsidiary 24-hour indication helps distinguish day from night when adjusting the calendar. Powered by the automatic calibre 315 S QA, the 5035 is particularly significant as the reference that began a complication now deeply associated with modern Patek Philippe.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and setting pin
Est. value range
$15,000 – $20,000
The Details
Brand
Patek Philippe
Dimensions
37mm
Model
Annual Calendar
Movement
Automatic Patek Philippe calibre 315 S QA
Reference
5035R
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 2000
Condition
Excellent
Material
18K Rose Gold
Included
Box and setting pin
Dial Color
Silver
THE DIAL
The silver dial organises a considerable amount of calendar information without sacrificing clarity. Applied Roman numerals frame separate day and month indications, with the date positioned at 6 o’clock and a subsidiary 24-hour display incorporated above it. Against the warm rose gold case, the restrained dial gives the technically innovative ref. 5035 a distinctly traditional character.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Measuring 37mm, the ref. 5035 retains the proportions of a traditional Patek Philippe dress watch despite the complication within. The 18K rose gold case is distinguished by its stepped, domed bezel and gently curved lugs, an intentionally classical architecture that places little emphasis on the considerable technical innovation beneath the dial.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in overall excellent condition. The 18K rose gold case shows some light scratches from careful wear, particularly around the correctors. There is a small area of oxidation on the rotor surface as visible in the images. All hallmarks remain crisp. The dial and hands are in near-mint condition. It is fitted with a brown leather strap and an 18K rose gold Patek Philippe pin buckle showing light surface marks. Comes with box and setting pin.
Please Note: Due to CITES considerations, if the watch is to be shipped outside of the USA, the exotic skin strap will have to be removed.
Our Perspective
The importance of the ref. 5035 extends well beyond its attractive neo-classical design. This was the watch that introduced the annual calendar as a complication, creating a new category that would subsequently become an important part of contemporary watchmaking. The 5035R combines that historical significance with particularly elegant 37mm proportions, making it both a landmark modern Patek Philippe and an unusually discreet complicated watch.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
