Patek Philippe Goes Vintage with the Annual Calendar Travel Time 5326G

In recent years, Patek Philippe has injected a certain vintage vibe into some of its creations, such as the attractive perpetual calendar 5320G (which has just been released in a new salmon version). Following this rather pleasing trend, the brand has presented a new watch at Watches and Wonders that combines an annual calendar and a traveller’s function with a warm vintage design. Meet the new highly practical Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Travel Time 5326G. 

Apart from the obvious design language of this watch, the 5326G also marks the first time the Annual Calendar is mixed with the Travel Time display – the two being signature complications of the brand –  resulting in a practical everyday companion.

The design is perhaps the biggest deal here. It combines a certain degree of boldness with a vintage touch and a dash of elegance; after all, it is a Patek. The Calatrava-shaped case, made of white gold, is entirely polished with sharp, pointy lugs. The most noticeable element is the Clous de Paris (hobnail) pattern decorating the caseband – the carrure. The smooth bezel is angled and equally sharp in shape. The case measures a modern 41mm diameter and has a height of 11.7mm.

The dial of the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Travel Time 5326G is also quite novel. The highly textured charcoal grey background hosts the Arabic numerals and syringe hands, which give the new reference an old-school pilot’s vibe. And all the elements are filled with cream-coloured luminescent material, adding warmth to the retro style. Of course, it’s also about modernity reflected in the complex display.

The annual calendar, a Patek invention, is arranged with a date window positioned low at 6 o’clock and weekdays and months in windows at 12 o’clock. The moon phase, integrated in the small seconds at 6 o’clock, completes the calendar. The Travel Time feature is composed of a central 12h hand for a second time zone, and two day/night indicators, one for local time, one for home time. Overall, it’s a bit of an odd design and layout but still works pretty well together.

Adding to the vintage look, Patek Philippe has equipped the Annual Calendar Travel Time 5326G with two straps. The first is calfskin, with a nubuck finish in beige. The second black strap with beige stitching has an embossed fabric pattern. Both are closed by a foldover white gold clasp.

Inside the case is a relatively new movement, the calibre 31‑260 PS QA LU FUS 24H, which uses the movement found in the In-Line Perpetual Calendar 5236P as a base. It has been updated here with a new module for the annual calendar protected by eight patents. This movement is wound by a platinum micro-rotor and runs at 4Hz. It boasts a rather short power reserve of 38-48 hours. The back reveals a nicely executed calibre with a handsome cascade of bridges.

The price of the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Travel Time 5326G is CHF 65,000. More details at Patek.com.