Description

During Baselworld 1996, Patek Philippe introduced the reference 5035, an annual calendar complication in a wrist watch. A simple yet useful complication, it automatically adjusted the calendar indication for months of 30 or 31 days, requiring the adjustment of the date once a year at the end of February.

Over the next 25 years, this complication was housed in various models from Calatrava to Nautilus cases, but only in precious metal, except for the 5960/1A which featured the annual calendar chronograph complication. Never was it offered as a stand alone complication in a steel Patek.

This changed in 2021 when Patek Philippe introduced the present reference 4947/1A-001 in a 38mm steel case, featuring a brand new full steel bracelet.

The vertical and horizontal satin-finish (“shantung”) features gold applied numerals. The day, month and moon phase indicators get their own sundials, and the date is displayed in an aperture at 6 o’clock.

All the functions are controlled by the recessed pushers within the caseflanks. Seen through the sapphire caseback is the self-winding Caliber 324 S QA LU. The finishing is exquisite, as one would expect from the grand Maison, sealed off with the PP hallmark of approval.

The bracelet is high polished to match the case and features a double-folding clasp, securing this steel beauty firmly on your wrist.

Patek Philippe – Bio

Patek Philippe & Co. was founded in 1839, located in Geneva and the Vallée de Joux. It designs and manufactures timepieces and movements, including some of the most complicated mechanical watches. It is considered by many experts and aficionados to be one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers.
In 1868, Patek Philippe made their first wristwatch, which was sold on November 13, 1876 to the Hungarian Countess.
It is the last independent, family-owned Genevan watch manufacture with uninterrupted operating history spanning nearly 180 years.