Patek Philippe’s horological masterpieces are the marriage of artistry and craftsmanship. Their beauty transcends functionality to elicit emotions and tell stories that last for generations.
The Annual Calendar is a relatively new complication. It automatically accounts for the varying lengths of months throughout the year, requiring only one manual adjustment per year.
Perpetual Calendar
In the world of complicated watches, few names carry as much clout as Patek Philippe. This legendary manufacturer has made a name for itself in the Grand Complications and Perpetual Calendar collections by bringing together centuries of precision and technical mastery with unparalleled designs that are both enduring and innovative.
Patek first patented the perpetual calendar mechanism in 1889, a groundbreaking innovation that automatically accounted for varying months and leap years. This complication is the cornerstone of all other complex timepieces, and the fact that Patek developed it first speaks to its dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking.
Today, the perpetual calendar remains a popular complication. Patek offers numerous versions, ranging from sleek and minimalist to elegant and luxurious. The newest addition to this family of timepieces is the Slim d’Hermes Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, which was released in 2016. This timepiece boasts an ultra-thin perpetual movement that hugs the wrist with its integrated bracelet or strap options. The watch also features a moon phase, day, date, month, leap year indicator, and a 24-hour indicator with a ring of hand-painted numerals. The slender design is a nod to the sporty style of Hermes watches and the perpetual calendar’s modern functions, and it combines effortlessly with the rest of the watch’s aesthetics.
In addition to the perpetual calendar, this watch has a chronograph and a rotatable bezel that allows for easy reading of multiple time zones. The slender case is just 8.10 mm thick, and the bezel has a grooved edge to complement the perpetual calendar movement.
Another luxury brand that has mastered the art of the perpetual calendar is Vacheron Constantin. Their 240 Q model is a masterpiece that showcases the sophistication of this complication. Powered by an ultra-thin automatic movement, the Caliber 240Q, this perpetual calendar displays time, date, and month, along with a leap year indicator. This watch is a favorite of collectors due to its unique styling and functionality.
Swiss watchmakers have been working on perpetual calendars since the late 1800s, and Audemars Piguet and Jaeger-LeCoultre are two of the top names that have created exemplary examples. However, few companies have managed to shrink this complication down to wristwatch size like Greubel Forsey. Their Perpetual Calendar Tourbillon is an elegant and fun piece that includes a perpetual calendar, equation of time, seasons, solstice and equinox, and a large tourbillon visible through the open caseback.
Chronograph
The defining feature of a chronograph is its ability to measure the passage of time. This is achieved by a combination of two hands, each displaying different aspects of the watch’s function. One hand, called the minute hand, indicates the current hour. The second hand, called the second-dial, shows the minutes elapsed since the watch’s last reset. The combination of these features makes it easy to keep track of time during a specific event or activity.
A chronograph can be further enhanced with additional complications that make it more useful or beautiful. For example, some chronographs have a world time function that displays the current time in different locations on a dial, while others come with a tachymeter that measures speed or distance. The latter is particularly useful for sports enthusiasts.
Chronographs in the Grand Complications collection also often feature a perpetual calendar. Founded on the principles of independence, innovation, tradition, rarity, value, and aesthetics, Patek Philippe has earned a global reputation for its exceptional Grand Complications. These remarkable watches take years to produce and showcase the brand’s horological prowess and artistry.
Several different styles of chronographs are available in the Grand Complications collection. Some have a regulator style, which displays the hours, minutes, and seconds separately from each other. For example, the ref. 4947/1A, which debuted in 2021, features a moon phase display at 6 o’clock and a annual calendar with date windows at 3 and 10. You can find this watch for around 50,000 USD on Chrono24.
Another type of chronograph features a split-seconds hand that allows you to split the current seconds into their individual components. This can be used to precisely measure the duration of an event, such as a golf swing or a car race. The Grand Complications collection also includes a variety of models with a tourbillon.
Browse the pre-owned Grand Complications collections at MIO Jewelry to discover timepieces that showcase the Geneva manufacturer’s finest craftsmanship and design. Our extensive selection of unworn Patek Philippe watches includes a range of styles, from the quintessential Calatrava models to intricate grand complications like minute repeaters. All of our watches are backed by our 2-Year warranty.
World Time
The World Time watch, or Heure Universelle, is an elegant and practical travel companion that was first introduced in the 1930s. The complication displays 24 time zones using rings on the outer edge of the dial, adorned with city names to represent each zone. Unlike most watches that only display the current time, World Time models also indicate the local date and month. These features are controlled by a single button and are perfect for travelers or businesspeople who need to stay on top of schedules in multiple timezones. The World Time is available in both men’s and women’s models, with cases crafted in gold and platinum.
One of the most sought-after complications is the minute repeater, which announces the hours and quarters with classic chimes. Patek Philippe has the largest collection of this Grand Complication in regular production, reinforcing its position as a leader in complicated watchmaking. A pure minute repeater — featuring cathedral or classic gongs that emit sonorous tones — is a treasured collectible, while combining the complication with other functions adds even more intrigue and beauty to the timepiece.
Another of Patek Philippe’s most popular horological complications is the annual calendar, which features a month and date display that updates automatically and requires no user intervention. The collection includes a variety of styles, from the classic Calatrava dress watch to sleeker designs that are more reminiscent of the Nautilus line. The most complex models feature multiple complications, such as a moon phase indicator and world time function, while others boast an impressive array of engravings and gemstones on the case.
In the Grand Complications category, you’ll find other timepieces that are the result of years of research and development, as well as technical excellence. From the Sky Moon Tourbillon to the Grandmaster Chime, these exceptional timepieces are the embodiment of Patek Philippe’s commitment to innovation and artistry.
Whether you prefer the linear, straightforward style of the Calatrava or the distinctive design of the Nautilus, there’s a model in the Complications & Grand Complications collection that will perfectly suit your personality and lifestyle. Browse the pre-owned models at MIO Jewelry to discover the Patek Philippe watch that is right for you.
Moon Phase
The moon phase is one of the more visually appealing horological complications, and for good reason. As a result of the Moon’s eccentric orbit, it appears differently from our perspective over the course of the 29.5-day lunar cycle. Consequently, the Moon goes from being not visible at all to being fully lit up (known as a full moon) and back down again, with the ‘bosom’ portion of its surface becoming more illuminated with each passing day. The moonphase complication displays this variation in light through a window on the watch face.
The first moonphase wristwatch was developed by Patek Philippe in 1925, and the company has since made many variations on this classic complication. Patek’s annual calendar models are some of the most accurate moonphase watches on the market, with their two lunar displays located on a disc beneath the watch dial and driven by a 59-tooth wheel that advances once each night. Unlike Rolex’s annual calendar watches, which display the month by hand, Patek Philippe’s patented design allows you to see the day, date and month simultaneously through apertures on the watch face.
If you are a collector of the most elaborate timepieces, then consider exploring pre-owned models from Patek’s Grand Complications collection, including the Sky Moon Tourbillon and the Grandmaster Chime. Each of these stunning pieces offers multiple functions that demonstrate the brand’s commitment to technical excellence and expert craftsmanship.
Another incredibly popular complication is the World Time, which enables you to track 24 different time zones simultaneously. This feature is available on both the Perpetual Calendar and Chronograph models, with the latter also offering a flyback chronograph function.
Patek has a long tradition of creating ‘Supercomplications’, or complex watches with more than 30 functions. This incredible achievement was best illustrated in 1989 with Caliber 89, a remarkable watch that boasted 33 complications and took over 100,000 hours to develop, produce, and assemble. These timepieces are considered the pinnacle of haute horlogerie and represent lifetimes of artistry and skill captured in a single watch.
