Patek Philippe Gondolo Annual Calendar

Today, when someone says Patek Philippe, perhaps you think of a Nautilus, a Calatrava, or if you’re like us, a Reference 3940 perpetual calendar.

These larger-than-life pieces have made Patek the brilliant behemoth it is today. And yet, equally valuable are Patek’s quirkier, more acquired pieces, which present an exceptional value, and as much, if not more personality than their conventional references. The Reference 5135J Gondolo in particular has always been one of those pieces.

The Gondolo collection has a fascinating history rooted in Rio De Janeiro. Patek enjoyed a fruitful partnership of nearly 60 years with the Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau. From that, the Chronometro Gondolo was born. Veering away from the traditional aesthetics of round-cased watches, the Chronometro Gondolo challenged conventional approaches to watch design. The tonneau case of the 5135 is a bit more playful and retro, and it plays well with the other vintage rooted details of the complication layout. The nostalgic tonneau case shape from Patek Philippe was often extended to Patek’s more complicated configurations — perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, and annual calendars among others.

The Reference 5135 is an annual calendar — convenient, reliable, and serviceable. Executed here in a 39mm 18K yellow gold case, this Reference 5135J features a sapphire crystal, a smooth bezel with polished finishing, signed crown, and a sapphire exhibition caseback framing the maison’s self-winding Calibre 324/205.

Fitted with a silky smooth champagne dial, this piece features day-date-month indicators north of center, a 24-hour subsidiary register with moonphase display, a matching dauphine handset, & applied ‘dart’ indices, and Breguet indices at 3 and 9 respectively.

Outfitted with a signed brown alligator leather strap with a yellow gold pin buckle, this 5135J comes to us with a host of factory goodies including outer box, inner box, signed leather folio, pamphlets, pusher setting tool, and a Certificate of Origin dated October, 2007.

While the tonneau case layout evokes a bygone era, the complication layout is actually quite contemporary for Patek, with an array of apertures across the dial displaying a suite of full calendar indications — a perfect fusion of vintage aesthetics and modern refinements.

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.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

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

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

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