Patek Philippe has long been recognized amongst collectors as a brand which brings innovation to the forefront of horology. They are known for some of watchmaking’s most important milestone models produced from the first serialized perpetual calendar chronograph wristwatch to highly sophisticated minute repeating timepieces. In 1996, they introduced an all-new annual calendar model, which was both technically innovative and revolutionary, creating a new category of complicated wristwatches that is now offered by many Swiss brands today. Patek Philippe’s reference 5035 was the world’s first annual calendar wristwatch, and as the brand’s press releases stated at the time, was designed as a “useful” complication that was practical and affordable. The annual calendar mechanism sits between simple calendar watches that require adjustment five times a year, and perpetual calendar timepieces that need no adjustment as long as they are kept wound. The annual calendar needs adjustment once a year between February 28th or 29th and March 1st. The success of the complication prompted Patek Philippe to offer it in the Nautilus reference 5726, and annual calendar chronograph reference 5980.

Released in 2005, the reference 5146 was Patek Philippe’s second annual calendar wristwatch. It was first offered in yellow and white gold, with a platinum example introduced in 2006 and in 2008 a pink gold model. With its heavy 18 karat white gold bracelet and warm, cream-colored dial it is an impressive watch for the connoisseur. Offered for the first time at auction and in very good overall condition, it comes complete with its Certificate of Origin and presentation box.