Throughout their long and prestigious history, Patek Philippe has been at the forefront of technological innovations in watchmaking. In 1996, they launched their first annual calendar wristwatch – and the world’s first self-winding annual calendar, the reference 5035 with an all-new movement. Unlike standard calendar watches, which require adjustment at the end of each month with fewer than 31 days, or the more expensive and complicated perpetual calendar that automatically adjusts the calendar each month, the annual calendar needs adjustment only once per year in February. Since its introduction, the annual calendar has become a mainstay within the Patek Philippe line, and today is offered in several configurations, such as an annual calendar time only model and an annual calendar with flyback chronograph.

In 2006 Patek Philippe released the reference 5396, their second annual calendar timepiece. The model borrows design elements from one of the brand’s most iconic wristwatches – the perpetual calendar reference 3448. The dial layout is nearly identical, with two windows for day and month at 12 o’ clock, a subsidiary dial at 6 o’ clock, and an overall very minimal and clean dial design without any scale. The case also features the same polished, sloped bezel of the vintage model.

The reference 5396 was offered in pink and white gold, with the present example with blue dial and white gold bracelet introduced in 2012. The watch is only the third example to appear on the market. It is offered with no reserve and accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin dated June 9th, 2014 and presentation box.