Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Moonphase

In 1996, Patek Philippe made one of its most brilliant strategic moves— the introduction and development of the Annual Calendar compilation. Patek recognized a gap in offerings, between the simple and (relatively) accessible Calatrava classic dress watches, and the complicated, and in turn, highly expensive, Grand Complications. The so called “Annual Calendar” bridged the gap between these two price points, offering a natural progression for collectors looking to access a Patek complication at a more accessible price point. The Annual Calendar needs adjusting just once per year. This change allows the movement to be far more economical to produce, easier to service, and cheaper to purchase. 

The inaugural Reference 5035 Annual Calendar of 1996 was a tremendous success, and ever since, Patek’s Annual Calendars have been a popular favorite. The Reference 5205 was Patek’s 2010 reimagination of the Annual Calendar. The 5205 largely built upon the DNA of the 5960, an annual calendar flyback chronograph released a few years earlier. Both the 5205 and 5960 featured simplified calendar displays, showing the day, date, and month in apertures rather than subsidiary registers. This kept the dial uncluttered and balanced with perfect symmetry left and right. The dial is partitioned with faceted hour markers and dot applied minute markers. The hands are set with a small strip of lume, meaning the hands have the functionality of lume without the clunkiness of heavily lumed hands. This handset preserves the beauty of unlumed hands without sacrificing the advantages. 

A number of other stylistic choices were made with the 5205 that separated it from previous references. Unlike the 5035 and 5146 annual calendars, the 5205 had a concave bezel and pierced lugs, two details that helped reinforce the modern look of this piece. Additionally, the 5205 was sized at a comfortable 40mm— not too large and not too small, a good balance for the complication. These factors all make the 5205 one of the greatest modern Patek references, and one of the greatest places to start with complicated Patek Philippe. The aesthetics are classic and modern all at the same time. 

This particular 5205, fashioned from white gold, has a subtle gray two-tone dial that is reminiscent of many field watch dials. It comes complete with its inner and outer boxes, travel pouch, and papers and pamphlets. 

Founded in 1839, Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world with an uninterrupted watchmaking history. Few international luxury brands carry the gravitas of their name, and for good reason. The firm's commitment to excellence in horological manufacture is unflinching, and their track record of innovation in design without peer. They continue to lead the industry, and even their fiercest competitors have nothing but the utmost respect for the company.

From the simple elegance of their Calatrava line to the stunning study in miniaturization that is reference 1518 perpetual calendar to the modern reference 5750P chiming watch, Patek’s catalog is chock full of some of the most elegant and complicated timepieces ever made. Family-owned and completely independent, the firm has the freedom to do what it wants — such as discontinue one of the world’s most beloved steel luxury sport watches, the reference 5711 — when it wants.

Owning a Patek Philippe is for many the ultimate goal of timepiece collecting, and for a certain type, the only timepieces they collect. Whichever way you look at it, there is no questioning the elegance of design, superlative manufacture of their cases and movements, or the sheer elegance and emotion that comes from owning one.

Of course for a brand that is steeped in heritage, we are told “You never actually own a Patek Philippe…”

Well, you know the rest.

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Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

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We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.