Introduced in 2011 in white gold, the Annual Calendar Regulator ref. 5235 is arguably the most under appreciated and interesting watch in the Patek Philippe line-up. In fact the model is a personal favourite of mine, and I explain why here.

Now it’s been given a facelift, with the original white gold version giving way to the new ref. 5235/50R in rose gold with a black and grey dial.

While the original was sleek in shades of silver and grey, the new ref. 5235/50R is strikingly clad in high contrast colours.

The case is 18k rose gold, while the dial is vertically brushed and dark grey on its centre, while the outer minute track and sub-dials are black, as are the calendar windows. And both sub-dials are ringed in rose gold to match the case.

While the colours differ the watch is fundamentally identical to the original. The dial retains the unusual engraved Patek Philippe signature, a feature found on no other model in the line-up.

The case remains 40.5mm in diameter and 10mm high, with a case profile reminiscent of the vintage perpetual calendar refs. 3448 and 3450.

Inside is the cal. 31-260 REG QA movement. Again the movement is unique to this reference, and not used in other models, even in a derivative form.

Also unique to the reference is the buckle that has the Patek Philippe logo executed in Art Deco relief.

Price and availability

The Annual Calendar Regulator ref. 5235/50R is priced at US$51,830, or 45,700 Swiss francs.