In 1996 Patek Philippe introduced a groundbreaking new annual calendar to market at the Basel Fair with the ref. 5035 (produced to 2005). The cal. 315 S QA it housed was the first to automatically account for varying days in the month (30-31), requiring only one manual adjustment per year at the end of February. This was not only a window into the future of PP's complications but a remarkable example of their technical prowess. It's important to note that the case design was inspired by the ref. 2526 which was released in the '50's as PP's first automatic timepiece and today a highly collectible model. The ref. 5035 brings in these historical elements and blends them with modern touches from a water resistant exhibition caseback, quickset date function to luminescent hands and Roman indices. It is elegant and practical as it is historically significant. The ref. 5146 launched in '05, leveraging the cal. 315 but boosted the case to 39mm. It had a number of key design updates, from Arabic 9, 12, 3, a power reserve indicator and most notably a moonphase complication. 

This particular example, circa '09, is cased in yellow gold and comes accompanied with all the elements a collector could hope for. It has remained in excellent pre-owned condition with a thick and evenly portioned case and strong hallmarks. The set includes its original warranty papers (a key element for many serious Patek collectors), inner and outer boxes, setting pin, folder with multiple PP booklets and stunning 18k factory Patek Philippe bracelet. The bracelet remains equally well preserved with light signs of use. It remains tight, fitting an approximate 7.5 inch wrist. For anyone looking for a beautiful and complicated Patek Philippe, this ref. remains solid value in today's market and works equally well on leather as it does on the show stopping bracelet. 

Dial: Mint with no blemished under magnification. It has a beautiful and very light off white tone providing warmth. Hands: Are matching and well preserved. Case: Excellent with thick and evenly proportioned lugs. The hallmarks are deep and crisp. Very light signs of use and no distracting wear. Correct signed crown. Crystal: Has a tiny chip on the outer edge at noon but it is not distracting. Otherwise clear. Bracelet: Patek Philippe 18k yellow gold with very light signs of use. It remains tight and will fit an approximate 7.5 inch wrist. Accessories: Inner and outer boxes, original warranty papers, setting pin, folder with multiple PP booklets and stunning 18k factory Patek Philippe bracelet. All functions of the watch operate flawlessly. The movement is running well on our timegrapher and comes with our 6-month mechanical warranty.

Year/era: 1999 Reference: 5146J Serial: 360XXXX Dimensions: 39mm width, 46.5mm lug to lug, 20mm lug width, 11.5mm thickness. Movement: Automatic Patek Philippe caliber 315 S.