Renowned for their groundbreaking innovations in watchmaking, Patek Philippe holds an indisputable position as one of the most esteemed watchmakers to ever grace the industry. Central to their array of complications is the iconic annual calendar, a balance between the complex perpetual calendar and the triple calendar. The inaugural model, the ref. 5035, debuted in 1996, marking Patek Philippe's recognition of the need for an intermediate calendar. The watch we have here, however, is a modern interpretation of the ref. 5035, the Annual Calendar ref. 5396 which was debuted in 2006. Made of 18kt white gold, it features a 38.5mm x 11.2mm Calatrava-style case and a polished bezel that exudes understated elegance and sits comfortably on the wrist. Notable for its symmetrical dial layout in silver, the ref. 5396 features day and month apertures at 12 o’clock, a central time display, a sub-dial with moon-phase and 24-hour indicator, and a perfectly positioned date window at 6 o'clock. Its overarching design echoes the classic ref. 3448 from the 1960s, showcasing a timeless and elegant aesthetic. This Patek Philippe ref. 5396G-011 Annual Calendar emerges as a compelling modern dress watch, combining simplicity, mechanical complexity, and classic appeal in perfect harmony.

An impressively complex timepiece that features a complication that Patek has been famed for popularising, the ref. 5396G is an iconic member of Patek's Complications collection, and for very good reason.